Cypriot government outlines agricultural priorities

The Cypriot Government has set out its agricultural priorities under Horizon 2020. Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis and the heads of departments and services discussed reforming the agricultural economy, developing a greener economy, promoting sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors and the better management of water resources.

Horizon 2020 will determine the ministry’s main concerns, goals and timetables. Kouyialis said: “The aim is to create a productive and progressive ministry with a common vision, common strategy and to contribute directly and substantially in the efforts to help the recovery of the economy, ensuring the public’s quality of life by developing and promoting projects and programmes of value.”

The government intends to achieve the sustainable and economic exploitation of natural resources and the marine life of Cyprus as well as the development of the agricultural economy.

During a press conference in January, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said that Horizon 2020 offered Cyprus a huge number of opportunities. She said that research and innovation could work toward fighting the economic crisis through the development of innovative products and services and job creation.