Initially, the establishment of the Department of Agriculture aimed to eliminate the adverse economic conditions that the rural population was experiencing, mainly through training and guidance to farmers, as well as through the implementation of various programmes. Special attention was given to issues such as the introduction of new improved varieties of plants and breeds of animals, the eradication of plant diseases, the introduction of modern and innovative agricultural tools, etc.
Today, ithe Department of Agriculture's main objective is the continuous upgrading and improvement, so that it is a modern and efficient service, that can serve, as much as possible, the interests of the rural population. It is a Department which is thorough and evaluates rationally and objectively the complex information of the European environment in agriculture and rural development, always in relation to the particular characteristics of the Cypriot agriculture so as to provide the Cypriot farmer timely, valid, objective and complete information and guidance.
The information, education, and vocational training of the rural population on the latest technological developments and on issues of harmonization of the Cypriot agriculture with the European acquis is the most important aspect of the Mission of the Department. The Department’s aim is reliability, efficiency and organization for the practical implementation of various policy measures, always sensitive to the interests of the rural world and with strict adherence to the rules and standards of the acquis communautaire. In addition, our objective is that any recommendations addressed to either farmers or European institutions should be practical and, at the same time, innovative and progressive through an integrated policy which incorporates both medium-term and long-term planning.
The Department of Agriculture, having an experience and tradition of over 100 years, can only continue to support the Cypriot farmer and spend all its forces for the best possible adaptation of the Cypriot agriculture in the new and complex environment that has developed, and which is determined by alignment with the acquis on the free movement of products and diversification of support measures and income support for farmers.
The Department of Agriculture will continue to work collectively and are scheduled to address the problems the rural population is facing to safeguard and enhance their earnings. It aims to revitalize the rural economy and to ensure the short-term and long-term future of the countryside, while among its basic aspirations will continue to be the improvement of the competitiveness of the sector, the protection of the environment and the countryside and the improvement of the quality of life in rural areas.
The management and staff of the Department has the duty and the obligation to support, to stand alongside and to propose solutions to the multiple problems that you, the farmers of Cyprus, are experiencing. The Department of Agriculture is here for you!!