COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Commission recommendations for Cyprus' CAP strategic plan Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Recommendations to the Member States as regards their strategic plan for the Common Agricultural Policy
Date: 2020-12-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: Cyprus, EU strategy, agricultural policy, climate change policy, common agricultural policy, cooperation on agriculture, digitisation, food security, innovation, rural development

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.12.2020  SWD(2020) 370 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Commission recommendations for Cyprus' CAP strategic plan Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS  Recommendations to the Member States as regards their strategic plan for the Common Agricultural Policy {COM(2020) 846 final} - {SWD(2020) 367 final} - {SWD(2020) 368 final} - {SWD(2020) 369 final} - {SWD(2020) 371 final} - {SWD(2020) 372 final} - {SWD(2020) 373 final} - {SWD(2020) 374 final} - {SWD(2020) 375 final} - {SWD(2020) 376 final} - {SWD(2020) 377 final} - {SWD(2020) 379 final} - {SWD(2020) 384 final} - {SWD(2020) 385 final} - {SWD(2020) 386 final} - {SWD(2020) 387 final} - {SWD(2020) 388 final} - {SWD(2020) 389 final} - {SWD(2020) 390 final} - {SWD(2020) 391 final} - {SWD(2020) 392 final} - {SWD(2020) 393 final} - {SWD(2020) 394 final} - {SWD(2020) 395 final} - {SWD(2020) 396 final} - {SWD(2020) 397 final} - {SWD(2020) 398 final}  
 
 
Contents 

1.  COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CYPRUS’ CAP STRATEGIC 

PLAN 

2 

1.1  Foster a smart, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring food 

security ..................................................................................................................... 2 

1.2  Bolster environmental care and climate action and contribute to the 

environmental- and climate-related objectives of the Union .............................. 3 

1.3  Strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural areas and address societal 

concerns .................................................................................................................... 3 

1.4  Foster and share knowledge, innovation, digitalisation in agriculture and rural 
areas .......................................................................................................................... 4 

1.5  Recommendations ................................................................................................... 5 

2.  ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CYPRUS  8 

2.1  Support viable farm income and resilience across the EU territory to enhance 
food security ............................................................................................................. 8 

2.2  Enhance market orientation and increase competitiveness including greater 

focus on research, technology and digitalisation .................................................. 9 

2.3  Improve farmers’ position in the value chain ..................................................... 10 

2.4  Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable 
energy ..................................................................................................................... 11 

2.5  Foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources 
such as water, soil and air ..................................................................................... 12 

2.6  Contribute to the protection of biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services and 

preserve habitats and landscapes......................................................................... 14 

2.7  Attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas ..... 16 

2.8  Promote employment, growth, social inclusion and local development in rural 
areas, including bio-economy and sustainable forestry ..................................... 17 

2.9  Improve the response of EU agriculture to societal demands on food and health, 

including safe, nutritious and sustainable food, as well as animal welfare ...... 18 

2.10  Cross-cutting objective on knowledge, innovation and digitalisation ............. 19 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  COMMISSION  RECOMMENDATIONS  FOR  CYPRUS’  CAP  STRATEGIC 

PLAN 

In  the  framework  of  the  structured  dialogue  for  the  preparation  of  the  common  agricultural 
policy  (CAP)  strategic  plan,  this  document  contains  the  recommendations  for  the  CAP 
strategic plan of Cyprus. The recommendations are based on analysis of the state of play, the 
needs  and  the  priorities  for  agriculture  and  rural  areas  in  Cyprus.  The  recommendations 
address the specific economic, environmental and social objectives of the future CAP and in 
particular the ambition and specific targets of the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity 
Strategy for 2030. As stated in the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission invites Cyprus, in 
its CAP Strategic Plan, to set explicit national values for the Green Deal targets1, taking into 
account its specific situation and these recommendations.  

1.1  Foster  a  smart,  resilient  and  diversified  agricultural  sector  ensuring  food 

security 

Efforts  to  develop  a  sustainable  farming  system  in  Cyprus  are  hampered  by  the  dualistic 
character  of  its  farm  structure.  With  56%  of  the  farms  being  very  small,  it  is  difficult  to 
achieve  economies  of  scale.  Nonetheless,  there  is  potential  for  progress  in  this  area  by 
stimulating  cooperation  between  farmers,  so  that  they  can  increase  their  bargaining  power, 
reduce their overheads and enhance their profits. 

Incentives  should  therefore  be  found  to  create  more  producer  organisations  and  expand 
existing  ones,  especially  in  livestock  (sheep  and  goat)  farming  and  the  fruit  and  vegetable 
sector  where  their  concentration  is  particularly  low  (20%).  As  education  and  training 
provision  does  not  seem  to  have  instilled  a  culture  of  cooperation  (identified  as  the  main 
factor  limiting  organisation  in  production),  experience-sharing  with  other  Member  States  in 
which producer organisations play an important role - could help in identifying other possible 
incentives. 

Another  way  of  increasing  farm-based  earnings  is  to  focus  on  the  cultivation  of  niche  and 
high-quality produce, such as organic products, and fetch premium prices on the market. The 
supply  of  high-quality  and  added-value  products  is  critical  to  the  sustainability  of  the 
agricultural sector. Farmers, preferably collectively, should try to identify niche markets and 
explore the viability of tapping into export markets. 

As  Cypriot  agriculture  has  been  significantly  lagging  behind  in  developing  EU  protected 
designation  of  origin  (PDO)  and  protected  geographical  indication  (PGI)  quality  schemes, 
incentives  should  be  given  to  register  more  quality  schemes,  as  a  way  of  generating  more 
added  value.  Also,  quality  assurance  schemes  focussing  on  consumers’  sensitivities  and 
interests  (e.g.  focusing  on  products  produced  with  a  low  carbon  footprint,  products  that 
respect  higher  standards  of  animal  welfare,  mountain  products,  etc.)  could  increase  returns 
from  the  market1.  Improving  harvesting,  processing  and  storage  methods  would  enable 
farmers to match supply to demand, reduce losses and waste, and limit sales prices volatility, 
especially for seasonal and perishable goods. This will require considerable investments and 
innovation.  In  the  long  term,  the  effective  use  of  innovative  technology  in  production 
processes, such as biogas  production, waste  recovery, water recycling, biological  control of 
diseases,  etc.  may  help  to  incentivise  young  farmers  to  seek  new  careers  in  the  agricultural 
sector, particularly when these technologies increase competitiveness and income. 

1   It concerns the targets related to use and risk of pesticides, sale of antimicrobials, nutrient loss, area under 

organic farming, high diversity landscape features and access to fast broadband internet. 

2 

 
 
 
                                                           
1.2  Bolster  environmental  care  and  climate  action  and  contribute  to  the 

environmental- and climate-related objectives of the Union 

The  challenges  and  opportunities  of  developing  a  sustainable  agricultural  sector  in  Cyprus 
differ  from  those  in  many  other  Member  States.  Training  and  guidance,  as  well  as  on-farm 
greenhouse  gas  emissions  (GHG)  assessment  tools  to  identify  the  most  appropriate  climate 
measures,  are  crucially  important  to  increase  the  environmental  and  climate  ambition  of 
Cyprus’ agricultural policy, on top of the full implementation of standards (e.g. protection of 
landscape  features,  compliance  with  the  Nitrates  Directive  and  the  Water  Framework 
Directive (WFD)).  

GHG  emissions  from  agriculture  have  been  increasing  gradually  since  2014,  mainly  due  to 
steady  growth  in  the  livestock  capital  cattle  supporting  halloumi  cheese  production.  In 
particular,  methane  emissions  from  enteric  fermentation  and  manure  per  hectare  of  utilised 
agricultural area (UAA) were double the EU average in 2015. Cyprus should focus efforts on 
measures  to  decrease  methane  emissions  from  livestock  farming  activities  in  line  with  the 
methane strategy2. 

Groundwater nitrates pollution  has been on the rise since 2004, with  17.5% of the reported 
station  above  50  mg/l  for  the  period  2012-2015.  In  terms  of  water  status  under  the  (WFD) 
some  water  bodies  are  still  failing  to  achieve  good  status  and  agriculture  is  the  most 
significant  pressure.  Better  integration  of  water  objectives  in  other  policy  areas  including 
agriculture,  is  needed  to  achieve  the  requirements  of  the  WFD  and  synergies  should  be 
optimised with policies including the CAP. Cyprus is among those EU countries where water 
abstraction  levels  are  unsustainable,  and  where  prolonged  periods  of  water  scarcity  due  to 
global warming is projected to intensify3.  

Cyprus should further increase the production and use of renewable energy in the agri-food 
sector  exploiting  solar  and  wind  energy,  as  well  as  agricultural  by-products,  wastes  and 
residues.  Additionally,  sustainably  managed  forests  can  supply  renewable  biomass  and 
materials for the bio-economy.  

Reversing  soil  erosion  and  improving  water  use  efficiency  in  terms  of  both  quantity  and 
quality  are  important  priorities,  as  acknowledged  by  the  Cypriot  authorities.  Prioritising 
practices  that  specifically  address  soil  and  water  challenges,  combined  with  an  enhanced 
conditionality  based  on  agronomic  characteristics,  will  be  crucial  to  the  successful  green 
transition  of Cypriot agriculture. With a forest  area of  an 18.7% and due to  climate change 
risks, Cyprus is particularly prone to forest fires and needs to step up its forest fire prevention 
and afforestation efforts, while also fostering agro-forestry.  

As  regards  biodiversity,  data  from  the  latest  reporting  period  for  nature  legislation  indicate 
that  50%  of  Cyprus’  grassland  habitats  are  in  favourable  conservation  status.  Agriculture 
affects 60% of habitats assessments (second biggest source of pressure) and 47% of species 
assessments.  

1.3  Strengthen  the  socio-economic  fabric  of  rural  areas  and  address  societal 

concerns 

The  transition  to  a  sustainable  food  system  involves  addressing  one  of  the  most  important 
social  challenges  for  EU  agriculture,  which  is  common  to  all  Member  States  generational 
renewal.  In  Cyprus,  the  challenge  is  even  more  acute,  as  the  country  has  one  of  the  lowest 
shares of young farmers in the EU and still shrinking; the ratio of young managers to elderly 
in Cyprus is the lowest in the EU. Land-development, construction and the use of residential, 
commercial, industrial and recreational infrastructure are placing a very heavy demand on the 
land,  making  this  scarce  resource  prohibitively  expensive  for  farming,  especially  in  the 
3 

 
 
 
lowlands  and  closer  to  the  urban  and  suburban  centres.  Improving  farm  succession  hinges 
critically on more favourable economic perspectives  in  rural  areas, linked to  investments  in 
infrastructure and social  services in mountain areas (access to schools, healthcare and weak 
civil society); this should come from a range of public and private sources.  

Such  investments  should  prioritise  a  clearer  shift  towards  catering  to  consumer  preferences 
and  needs,  and  focus  on  quality  production.  Cyprus  should  promote  healthier,  more 
environmentally sustainable diets, in line with national recommendations. This could help to 
reduce overweight, obesity and the incidence of non-communicable diseases while improving 
the overall environmental impact of the food system.  

Careful consideration should be given to the specific needs of women in agriculture and rural 
areas, in  order to  deliver on gender  equality  and  close the  gender  gaps in employment, pay 
and pensions. 

Ensuring  the  protection  of  agricultural  workers,  especially  those  precarious,  seasonal  and 
undeclared employment, will play a major role in delivering on the respect of rights enshrined 
in legislation, which is an essential element of the fair EU food system envisaged in the Farm 
to Fork Strategy. 

Antimicrobial  resistance  (AMR)  linked  to  the  excessive  and  inappropriate  use  of 
antimicrobials  in  animals  and  humans  should  be  especially  prioritised,  as  the  scale  of 
veterinary antimicrobial agents in Cyprus is the highest among all EU Member States.  

The  use  of  pesticides  is  another  issue  of  particular  concern.  The  evolution  of  the  overall 
weighted  index  of  pesticides  use,  Harmonised  Risk  Indicator  I,  is  on  the  rise.  In  order  to 
reverse these trends Cyprus will need to demonstrate a high level of ambition in line with the 
new Farm to  Fork pesticides and antimicrobial  targets  taking into account their use and the 
agriculture production of its regions. 

Certain animal husbandry practices, such as the taildocking of pigs, are still a routine practice, 
although  this  is  prohibited  by  EU  legislation.  Support  for  better  livestock  management 
practices  using  all  available  tools,  including  CAP  policy  instruments  to  support  farmers,  is 
recommended to improve animal welfare. 

The  national  food  waste  prevention  programme,  (required  under  the  Waste  Framework 
Directive) could tackle the issue of food loss and waste at primary production level and in the 
early stages of the supply chain. 

1.4  Foster and share knowledge, innovation, digitalisation in agriculture and rural 

areas 

Knowledge  and  innovation  have  a  key  role  to  play  in  helping  the  farmers  and  rural 
communities  meet  the  challenges  of  today  and  tomorrow.  Apart  from  ‘agriculture’  the 
agricultural  knowledge  and  innovation  system  (AKIS)  covers  related  fields  such  as 
environment,  climate,  biodiversity,  landscape,  food  and  non-food  systems  (including 
processing  and  distribution  chains,  consumers  and  citizens,  social  aspects  etc.).  A  well-
functioning  AKIS  should  respond  to  the  farmers’  growing  needs  for  information,  faster 
innovation and better application of existing knowledge to achieve the CAP objectives.  

Addressing the above challenges, enhancing the overall sustainability of Cypriot agriculture 
and thus contributing to the broader targets of the future orientation of the CAP will involve 
the rapid smart, digital and green transformation of Cypriot agriculture. The necessary means 
are available in Cyprus, itself in particular with the Ministry of Agriculture.  

4 

 
 
The Cypriot agricultural knowledge and innovation system appears fairly well integrated and 
medium-strong.  As  the  above  transformation  requires  reliance  on  knowledge  creation  and 
exchange,  sufficient  support  for  innovation  networking  (filtering  and  translating  useful 
information for Cypriot farmers) is key, also to profit from the EU added value of innovative 
European  Innovation  Partnership  (EIP)  Operational  Groups  results  in  other  Member  States. 
Cyprus  should  take  new  actions  to  enhance  knowledge  flows  and  strengthen  links  between 
research  and  practice,  including  the  creation  of  innovation  support  services,  workshops, 
demonstrations and platforms for dissemination of information. Attention should also be paid 
to  the  improvement  and  better  dissemination  of  information  and  to  digital  capacities, 
including  digital  skills  and  e-infrastructures.  Concrete,  though  not  generalised,  examples  in 
recent  years  have  demonstrated  how  this  orientation  also  results  in  a  positive  effect  with 
respect to growth and employment in rural areas. 

1.5  Recommendations 

To address the above interconnected economic, environmental/climate and social challenges 
the Commission considers that the Cypriot CAP strategic plan needs to focus its priorities and 
concentrate its interventions on the following points, while adequately taking into account the 
high territorial diversity of the Cypriot agriculture and rural areas: 

Foster a smart, resilient and diversified agricultural sector ensuring food security 

•  Improving  the  viability  of  smaller  farms  and  farms  located  in  areas  facing 
natural  constraints  through  a  better  targeting  and  fairer  distribution  of  public 
support, for example through application of the complementary redistributive income 
support for sustainability and the reduction of payments and taking into consideration 
agronomic conditions and differences in physical and economic farm size. 

•  Improve  farmers’  competitiveness,  targeting  especially  small  and  medium-sized 
farms, by supporting efforts to increase value added,  including through investments in 
organic and quality production (e.g. within EU quality schemes) and the development 
of niche markets. 

•  Encouraging  greater  integration  of  primary  producers,  by:  encouraging  the 
recognition of producer organisations (POs) in sectors where they have not  yet been 
recognised; supporting the formation of new POs (especially in livestock farming and 
the fruit and vegetable sector), and encouraging POs to offer a wider range of services. 

Bolster  environmental  care  and  climate  action  and  to  contribute  to  the  environmental-  and 
climate-related objectives of the Union 

•  Increasing  the  sustainable  production  of  renewable  energy  from  agricultural 
waste  and  by-products,  solar  and  wind  energy  contributing  to  climate  change 
mitigation by supporting appropriate investments.  

•  Contribute  to  the  EU  Green  Deal  target  to  reduce  nutrient  losses  (nitrogen, 
phosphorous),  while  increasing  soil  organic  matter  and  reducing  soil  erosion,  by 
supporting appropriate land management practices (precise nutrient  application, crop 
rotation,  cultivation  of  specific  crops,  reduced  tillage,  agroforestry,  low-emission 
manure storage and application techniques). Similarly, to contribute to the EU Green 
Deal  target  on  farm  landscape  features  by  maintaining  the  presence  and 
conservation  of  landscape  elements  and  also  increasing  the  share  of  grasslands. 
Effective  implementation  of  conditionality  will  be  a  first  step  in  achieving  these 
objectives  (especially  to  ensure  action  in  hotspots),  as  will  a  wider  transition  to 
precision farming and /or other types of interventions. 

5 

 
 
•  Improving  sustainable water  use  through  an  appropriate  blend  of  improved 
practices; control of water abstractions, investments in alternative water resources for 
irrigation  (e.g.  use  of  recycled  waste  water),  cultivation  of  less  water-intensive 
drought resistant, crops enhancing thus climate change adaptation measures. 

•  Climate  change  mitigation  is  a  key  issue.  Reduce  GHG  emissions,  in  particular 
from  enteric  fermentation  and  manure,  and  increase  removals  of  CO2,  by: 
improving  feed  and  manure  management  and  investing  in  anaerobic  digestion, 
supporting carbon sequestration by the farming and forest sectors; promoting on-farm 
GHG  emissions  assessment  tools  to  help  lower  environmental  footprint;  supporting 
investments  in  afforestation/reforestation  and  forest  protection  (from  fires,  pests  and 
diseases); reducing nitrogen excess. 

•  Contributing  to  the  EU  Biodiversity  strategy  targets  and  especially  the  new 
actions of the EU Nature Restoration Plan by supporting actions that help maintain 
or restore favourable conservation status for the habitats and species prioritised in the 
prioritised  action  framework  for  CAP  funding,  in  combination  with  species  and 
habitats  types  relevant  for  CAP  indicated  in  the  EU  Species  and  Habitats  Action 
Plans. 

•  Enhancing multifunctional and sustainable forest management, forest protection 
and  restoration  of  forests  ecosystems  to  enhance  ecological  services  and 
biodiversity,  supporting  the  efforts  to  reach  good  condition  of  habitats  and  species; 
preserving  stocks  and  increasing  carbon  sinks  in  forests,  their  soils  and  harvested 
wood products, supporting the bioeconomy, and to build resilience to climate change 
and  other  threats,  particularly  by  using  endemic  tree  species  highly  resistant  to 
droughts and pests for afforestation, and by investing in  prevention of wildfires. 

•  Contributing to the EU Green Deal target on organic farming, through incentives 
for the maintenance and conversion to organic farming and promoting agro-ecological 
and biodiversity- friendly approaches. 

Strengthen the socio-economic fabric of rural areas and address societal demands 

•  Encouraging 

investments 

infrastructure  (schools, 
in  economic  and  social 
healthcare, voluntary activities) in  mountain  areas. CAP  tools must work in  synergy 
with other funds in order to ensure better services in rural areas which benefit all rural 
residents. 

•  Contributing  to  the  EU  Green  Deal  targets  on  pesticides,  strengthening  the 
efforts to decrease the quantities and risks of most hazardous used pesticides and 
promoting the sustainable use of pesticides, in particular by ensuring the uptake of 
integrated pest management. 

•  Contributing to the achievement of the EU Green Deal target on antimicrobials 
by putting in place sizeable efforts to significantly reduce the use of antimicrobials in 
farming,  considering  that  the  figures  indicate  sales  of  antimicrobials  above  the  EU 
average. Cyprus is encouraged to use all available tools, including instruments under 
the  CAP  to  support  the  farmers  e.g.  by  promoting  best  practices  on  reduced  and 
prudent  use  of  antimicrobials,  together  with  improved  livestock  management, 
biosecurity, infection prevention and control. 

•  Improving animal welfare by supporting improved livestock management practices 
–  including  with  regard  to  disease  prevention  and  control  –  and  related  knowledge-
building. 

6 

 
 
•  Improving generational renewal in agriculture by supporting schemes to reduce the 

entry barriers in the sector, mainly regarding access to land. 

Fostering  and  sharing  of  knowledge,  innovation  and  digitalisation  in  agriculture  and  rural 
areas, and encouraging their uptake 

its  AKIS, 

to  enhance 

•  Investing  in  the  smart,  digital  and  green  transition  of  its  farming  sector  by 
strengthening 
the  sustainability  performance  and 
competitiveness  of the agricultural  sector  and to  support  Green  Deal  priority actions 
on climate change, circular economy, zero-pollution and biodiversity, including farm 
advice,  and  interactive  innovation.  Furthermore,  the  AKIS  should  better  integrate 
information,  knowledge,  advice,  innovation  and  digital  skills,  by  supporting  better 
links  between  public  and  private  advisors  and  investing  in  their  training  and  skills. 
Advisory  services  and  operational  groups  should  be  prepared  to  respond  to  the 
growing  information  needs  of  farms  regarding  economic,  environmental  as  well  as 
social  fields.  Advisors  should  be  supported  to  help  capture  individual  grass  roots 
innovative ideas and to develop them by setting up and implementing EIP operational 
group projects (“innovation support services”). 

•  Contributing  to  the  EU  Green  Deal  target  on  broadband  by  substantially 
increasing fast broadband infrastructure coverage via targeted investments in synergy 
with  other  EU  funds,  while  promoting  at  the  same  time  the  development  of  digital 
skills in rural areas through appropriate training. 

7 

 
 
 
 
2.  ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN CYPRUS 

Cyprus  agriculture  is  defined  by  its  structural  features,  namely  small  land-parcels,  limited 
participation in collective production and marketing schemes. The small size of Cyprus poses 
significant  difficulties  for  the  clear  diversification  of  areas  in  urban  and  rural  areas. 
According to the “urban-rural typology” and in line with the CAP common context indicators 
Cyprus is considered as an intermediate area4. 

2.1  Support viable farm income and resilience across  the EU territory to enhance 

food security 

The  main  characteristic  of  the  Cypriot  agriculture  is  a  dualism,  where  80%  of  the  land  is 
accounted for by 20% of agricultural holdings (in area) operating based on economic farming 
criteria,  while  a  large  number  of  very  small  farms  (56%)  are  embedded  in  a  framework  of 
multifunctional  and  semi-subsistence  activities  with  agricultural  income  as  an  (unspecified) 
part of total family income.  

In Cyprus, the agricultural income per worker is on average about 61% of the average wage 
in the whole economy between 2005 and 2018. This share ranges from 52% in 2006 to 79% 
in 2019, and is above EU-average5. The gap between the agricultural income per worker and 
the  average  wage  in  the  economy  seems  to  be  closing  over  time  due  to  an  increase  in 
agricultural  income.  Despite  the  gradual  convergence  of  incomes,  agricultural  income 
continues to fall short of the average wage in the economy by around 20%.  

As  far  as  the  sectoral  figures  are  concerned,  the  income  per  worker  is  above  average  for 
granivores,  is  around  average  for  mixed  crops,  other  field  crops  and  sheep  and  goat  farms, 
while  income  per  worker  is  on  average  lower  for  farmers  with  permanent  crops  (olives, 
orchards, combined). About 60% of all farms in Cyprus produce olives, (citrus) fruits or has 
permanent crops combined. 

As  far  as  farm  size  concerned,  the  income  per  worker  increases  with  farm  size  in  Cyprus. 
However, 85% of farmers in Cyprus farm less than 5 hectares. 

60.2%  of  the  utilised  agricultural  area  in  Cyprus  is  designated  as  ANC  area  (area  facing 
natural or specific constraints, 12.6% is ANC mountain). The agricultural factor income per 
worker  is  significantly  higher  in  “other  ANC”  (beyond  EUR  12  000  per  worker)  and 
particularly  low  in  ANC  mountain  areas  (52%  of  income  'not  in  ANC')  between  2004  and 
2017. Mountain area has 55% of its farms in the orchard sector. “Other ANC” area is more 
diversified 6. 
Changes in agricultural income are mainly due to extreme weather events. Markets and input 
costs are not the most critical factors in the volatility of agricultural income. The volatility of 
farm incomes results mainly from climatic factors, namely (a) the prolonged drought which 
has a negative impact on the incomes of all crops, (b) the extreme events that affect tree crops 
in mountain and semi-mountainous areas as well as horticulture and potatoes in the field. 

In 2018, the number of CAP income support beneficiaries was 32 530 in Cyprus. 93.1% of 
agricultural  holdings  received  income  support  with  an  average  value  of  EUR  1  580  per 
beneficiary. 

Direct payments formed 14% of the agricultural factor income in 2017, while payments under 
Pillar II were on average 15% of the income7.  

The degree of concentration of direct payments per beneficiary is close to the 80-20% ratio in 
Cyprus  (2017:  78/20).  The  indicator  of  the  redistribution  to  smaller  farms  was  97.9%  in 
average (2015-2017) 5. 

8 

 
 
As far as risk management tools are concerned, a new national system for risk management 
has  been  created  under  the  National  Law  103(I)/2019.    The  system  covers  all  agricultural 
crops, for all risks due to adverse weather conditions and / or natural disasters, including the 
sheep and goat sector. All the direct damages due to climatic phenomena (hail, frost, drought, 
etc.) are covered, but the system also covers damages resulting from diseases that owe their 
appearance  to  adverse  climatic  phenomena.  It  covers  the  risks  due  to  fire  and  offers  the 
possibility of protecting agricultural production from protected species. 

Trend in agricultural income (versus average wage in the economy) in Cyprus 

Agricultural factor income per AWU in real terms  

Agricultural income as % of average wage in the economy  

Agricultural income as % of average wage in the economy – EU-27 

Source: Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development. CAP context indicators C.25 Agricultural factor 
income and CAP context indicator C.26 Agricultural entrepreneurial income. Income based on EUROSTAT 
[aact_eaa04], [aact_ali01] and [aact_eaa06], adding back the compensation of employees to the entrepreneurial 
income and divided by the total number of annual working units. Note: 2019 data estimated. The Average wage in the 
economy based on EUROSTAT data on thousand hours worked using employees domestic concept [nama_10_a10_e] 
and EUROSTAT data on ‘wages and salaries’ [nama_10_a10] 

2.2  Enhance  market  orientation  and  increase  competitiveness  including  greater 

focus on research, technology and digitalisation  

Based on the 2017 and 2018 external trade statistics of the Republic of Cyprus a significant 
increase in the exports of agricultural products and foodstuffs of high value added has been 
observed. The example of “haloumi cheese” is striking. Bearing in mind the significant shift 
in  consumer  demand  for  high  added  value  products,  new  types  of  food  and  new  tastes  it 
might be opportune to further diversify from conventional agricultural and foodstuffs to high 
added value ones, such as Geographical Indications or other quality and national traditional 
schemes. This is applicable for fresh, frozen or packaged agricultural products, foodstuffs as 
the  demand  remained,  and  even  increased  substantially  under  the  Covid-19  pandemic  not 
only in the internal market but also in third markets.      

Innovation  and  research  are  key  to  improving  productivity,  sustainability  and  resilience  in 
food and agriculture. However, the expenditure for agricultural research remained in Cyprus 
rather low since 1991 while the overall expenditure for research and innovation is increasing 
steadily.  This  is  creating  an  important  innovation  and  research  gap  within  Cyprus  between 
sectors  and  in  comparison  to  the  relevant  EU  average  and  trends.  In  recent  decades, 
productivity  improvements  in  the  EU  have  driven  considerable  growth  in  agricultural 
production  creating  important  differences  in  productivity  growth  between  countries,  and  by 
farm  type,  size  and  regions.  Innovation,  research  and  productivity  gaps  are  important  for 
Cyprus  and  its  lagging  behind  traditional  agriculture  and  foodstuffs  processing  is  a  big 
challenge.  Along  the  promotion  of  mechanisation  and  automation,  innovation  in  the 

9 

 
 
 
production  methods  and  products  could  be  considered  by  exploiting  the  technological 
opportunities offered by precision farming and digitalisation. 

Based on the available statistics the number of cows (since 2014), has increased significantly 
in  the  Republic  of  Cyprus.  Livestock  production  has  also  expanded  rapidly.  Both  from  an 
economic and environmental and residues point of view, rationalisation of the sector might be 
of priority. Feed-efficiency improvements could be considered as a solution to counterbalance 
the lack of feed availability. The risks from livestock diseases may also have strong internal 
and  external  effects  given  links  to  competitiveness  of  the  Cypriot  economy  but  as  well  the 
food chain and to human health. 

Cost and revenue structure of agricultural income (real prices in million EUR) 
in Cyprus 

Crop output 

Agricultural services output 

Fertilisers 

Rents 

Entrepreneurial income 

Animal output 

Non-agricultural secondary 

Plant/animal protection 

Interest 

Product subsidies 

Seeds 

Feeding stuffs 

Taxes 

Other subsidies 

Energy 

Labour 

Other costs 

Source: Economic accounts for agriculture EUROSTAT [aact_eaa01] 

2.3  Improve farmers’ position in the value chain 

The share of agricultural production in the food supply chain for primary producers is below 
the  EU  average  (20%  vs  27%).  Dairy  (26%),  pig  meat  (12%),  vegetables  and  horticultural 
products  (11%)  are  the  main  products  produced  in  Cyprus,  followed  by  poultry  (9%)  and 
fruits (9%). Wine, apiculture, floriculture are also significant agricultural sectors. 

There are eight recognised producer organisations in Cyprus, among which six are specialised 
in  the  production  of  fruit  and  vegetables  and  one  in  beef,  veal  and  cow’s  milk.  Five  of  the 
producers  organisations  of  the  fruit  and  vegetables  sector  are  running  operational 
programmes.  In  addition,  there  are  six  producer  groups.  Five  of  these  are  specialised  in 
livestock  production  and  one  in  cereals.  For  2017,  the  value  of  marketed  production  is 
estimated around 55% on livestock (with a higher concentration in cattle breeding with 75%) 
and around 25% in crop production (vegetables, fruits and cereals). In the fruit and vegetable 
sector,  the  value  of  marketable  production  of  producer  organisations  is  estimated  at  around 
20%,  which  is  significantly  lower  than  the  EU  average  (49%)8.  There  are  no  interbranch 
organisations in Cyprus. 

In  Cyprus,  there  are  18  protected  quality  signs  (protected  designations  of  origin,  protected 
geographical  indications  and  traditional  specialities  guaranteed)  among  which  five  are 
registered for agricultural products and foodstuff other than wine, spirit drinks and aromatised 
wines)9.  The  quality  scheme  contribution  to  the  gross  production  value  could  become 
significant and could be considered as a factor capable of influencing the value captured by 

10 

 
 
 
the producers themselves. The use of EU quality scheme could be further developed in view 
of improving the position of farmers in the value chain 

Cyprus could  facilitate the pooling of farmers through coaching, knowledge and mentoring, 
innovative activities with a focus on marketing products through cooperation, not only in the 
meat sector, but also in the fruit and vegetables sector and in other significant sectors. Cyprus 
could intensify research and development efforts, especially on water saving. Investments on 
more  effective  environmental  and  water  saving  practices  and  on  organic  farming  should  be 
favoured through operational programmes. Finally, Cyprus should incentivise the production 
of quality products (quality schemes) and promote the organic production. 

Short  supply  chains  are  not  developed  in  Cyprus  due  to  a  low  level  of  organisation, 
predominance of retailers and lack of infrastructure. 

Value added for primary producers in the food chain in Cyprus (in million EUR) 

Primary producers 

Food and beverage manufacturing 

Food and beverage distribution 

% for primary producers – EU-27 
% for primary producers (right axis) 
Food and beverage consumer services 
Source: European Commission. CAP indicators – Data explorer. CAP Result indicator RPI_03 Value for primary 
producers in the food chain. 

2.4  Contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable 

energy 

Total  net  GHG  emissions  from  agriculture  (including  cropland  and  grassland)  amounted  to 
0.499  MT  of  CO2  equivalents  in  2018  representing  5%10  of  the  total  GHG  emissions  of 
Cyprus, much lower that the EU-27 average. Emissions from the agricultural sector reached 
their lowest level in 2013 but have been since gradually increased, mainly due to the increase 
in  livestock  numbers  related  to  halloumi  cheese  production.  In  2018,  the  share  of  methane 
(CH4) emissions from agriculture accounted for 35% of the total national methane emissions 
while ammonia  emissions from  agriculture represented more than 96% of the total  national 
ammonia  emissions.  Livestock  and  cropland  emissions  accounted  for  76.53%  and  23.24% 
respectively of the total emissions from agriculture. Methane emissions from livestock were 
mainly  due  to  enteric  fermentation  of  live  animals  (52%)  and  from  manure  management 
(24%). 86% of ammonia emissions are attributed to livestock management and the rest to soil 
fertilisation  (green  manure  and  chemical  fertilisers).  Methane  and  ammonia  emissions  per 
hectare  of  utilised  agricultural  area  (UAA)  in  Cyprus  in  2015  was  almost  twice  the  EU-
average11. 

The share of permanent grasslands in the total UAA is 1% (EU average 3.3%). 

Production of renewable energy from agriculture decreased (24%) from 15.5KToe in 2012 to 
11.7KToe in 2016. During the same period renewable energy production from forestry almost 

11 

 
 
doubled  (from  5  to  9.25  KToe).  Agriculture  and  forestry  account  for  16.8%  of  the  total 
energy produced from renewables in Cyprus12. 

In 2018, the share of energy consumption by agriculture in the final energy consumption was 
2.7%,  slightly  lower  than  the  EU  average  (3.2%)  and  up  by  0.4  percentage  points  since 
200813. Energy intensity of the Cypriot agriculture and forestry remains higher than the EU 
average.  Energy  consumption  by  the  Cypriot  agriculture  and  forestry  per  ha  of  UAA  and 
forest (CCI 44), increased between 2012 and 2016 from 143.9 Ktoe, to 151.9 Ktoe14. Energy 
consumption  by  agriculture  per  ha  of  UAA  and  forestland  was  more  than  double  the  EU 
average of 70.9 KToe/ha/UAA.  Cyprus should further promote energy efficiency in the agri-
food  and  forestry  sectors  by  facilitating  the  supply  and  use  of  renewable  sources  of  energy 
(e.g., from solar panels, biomass, anaerobic digestion) for the purposes of the bio-economy. 

Climatic  change  has  already  affected  Cyprus  during  the  past  thirty  years.  Average  annual 
precipitation  has  declined  by  9%  and  average  annual  temperature  has  increased  by  0.5°C 
compared to the 1961-1990 period. Projections for the future show that by 2050 precipitation 
will  decrease  further  by  10-15%  and  temperature  will  increase  by  1.0-1.5  °C.  Low 
precipitation, high temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g. heat waves, rainstorms and 
hailstorms), are putting extreme pressure on Cyprus’s scarce natural  resources, in  particular 
on water, agricultural land, forests and soils and threaten biodiversity of their ecosystems15.  
Prolonged  and  frequent  droughts,  irrigation  water  scarcity,  and  forest  fires  are  leading  to 
poorer  agricultural  yields,  soil  erosion,  agricultural  land  abandonment,  desertification  and 
loss of biodiversity. Several measures have been identified in the national adaptation plan for 
climate  change  (2017)  and  in  the  draft  national  adaptation  plan  for  agriculture  (2019)  as 
adaptive  responses  to  avoid  the  risks  posed  by  climate  change16.  Emphasis  is  given  to 
networks  of  recycled  water  for  agricultural  irrigation,  precision  irrigation,  less  water 
consuming/heat resistant and traditional crops and exploitation of renewable energy resources 
(solar and anaerobic digestion of agricultural, food and livestock waste)17. 

Total Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (including and excluding LULUCF) 
in Cyprus (in million tonnes of CO2 equivalents) 

Grassland 
Cropland 
Agriculture 
% of agriculture in total GHG emissions (exc. LULUCF) 
% of agriculture (incl. emissions from cropland and grassland) in total GHG emissions (incl. LULUCF) 
EU-27 % of agriculture (incl. Emissions from cropland and grassland) in total GHG emissions (incl. LULUCF) 
Source: European Environmental Agency. As in EUROSTAT [env_air_gge] 

2.5  Foster sustainable development and efficient management of natural resources 

such as water, soil and air  

In  air  quality,  the  total  ammonia  (NH3)  emissions  in  Cyprus  was  relatively  stable  between 
1995  and  2010,  around  6  000  tonnes,  after  which  it  steadily  decreased  to  5  080  tonnes  in 
2015; similarly there is  a downward trend in  the EU as of 2013. Cyprus has been found to 
have  low  risk  of  non-compliance  with  the  NH3  emission  reduction  commitments  for  2020-

12 

 
 
2029 (-10% compared to 2005) and 2030 (-20%) as established by the NEC Directive18. 97% 
of  the  total  reported  ammonia  emissions  in  Cyprus  come  from  agricultural  sources  (2018, 
EEA data viewer19), which have slightly decreased over time but with a slight increase again 
since 2015. According to 2017 data, livestock (4 700 tonnes of NH3) contributes more than 
synthetic Nitrogen-fertilisers (0.2 1000t of NH3) in the NH3 emissions from agriculture in the 
country. In addition, 9% of the total reported emissions of nitrogen oxides, almost 14% of the 
total  reported  emissions  of  non-methane  volatile  organic  compounds  and  almost  7%  of  the 
total fine particulate matter emissions in Cyprus come from agricultural sources (2018, EEA 
data viewer). 

In soil quality, 7.2% of agricultural areas in Cyprus was in severe risk of soil erosion by water 
in  2016,  equal  to  the  EU-average20.  The  amount  of  soil  organic  matter  in  arable  land  in 
Cyprus is one of the lowest in EU; the total organic carbon share is 23 mega tonnes and has 
remained  steady  since  200921,  while  there  are  no  recorded  data  for  the  amounts  of  mean 
organic carbon. Despite the pressures for higher soil quality, only 1% of agricultural land is 
under contract to improve soil, a very low amount compared both to the EU average (12%) 
and  the  set  target  in  the  Rural  Development  Programme  (RDP)  2014-2020  for  Cyprus 
(20.64%)22.  The  crop  diversity  of  farms  in  Cyprus  is  rather  low;  in  2016  the  percentage  of 
farms with 2 crops was 8% and with more than 3 crops 2%, while the EU average was 10% 
and 13% respectively. In the same vein, the share of land subject to crop diversification due 
to greening23 in Cyprus decreased from 83% in 2016 to 66% in 2018 (below the EU average 
of 74%). In the future, these key issues can be addressed in synergy with activities under the 
Horizon Europe mission on Soil Health.   

Kg N/ha/year 

Potential surplus of N and P on agricultural land in Cyprus 

Kg P/ha/year 

Potential surplus of nitrogen on agricultural land (in kg N/ha/year) 
EU-27 GNB for Nitrogen 
Potential surplus of phosphorus on agricultural land (in kg P/ha/year) 

European Commission. CAP context indicator C.40 Water quality. Based on EUROSTAT [aei_pr_gnb] 24 

As  regards  water  quality,  under  the  WFD  approximately  41%  of  surface  waters  are  in  less 
than  good  ecological  status  and  3%  are  failing  to  achieve  good  chemical  status.  For 
groundwater  76%  were  failing  to  achieve  good  quantitative  status  and  33%  are  failing  to 
achieve  good  chemical  status25.  The  most  significant  pressure  on  surface  waters  is  diffuse 
agricultural  pollution,  which  also  affects  groundwater,  and  the  most  significant  pressure  on 
groundwater  is  abstraction  or  flow  diversion  from  agriculture  which  also  affects  surface 
water. Cyprus recorded the highest amount of gross nitrogen balance (GNB) in 2015 (194 kg 
N/ha/year)  well  above  the  EU-27  average  (49  kg  N/ha/year)26.  Cyprus  is  among  the  four 
countries (Czech Republic, Cyprus, Latvia and Austria) which showed an increasing trend in 
GNB  when  estimated  as  3-year  averages  from  2004  -2015,  while  in  2017  it  ranked  first  in 
gross nitrogen balance (194 kg N/ha/year)2. However, Cyprus does not transmit data on gross 
nutrient  balances  to  the  Commission  and  only  rough  estimations  are  available.  In  terms  of 
mineral  fertiliser  consumption,  Cyprus,  together  with  Croatia  and  Hungary,  was  estimated, 
based on balance, to have the highest values (12 kg P per ha) in phosphorus consumption in 
13 

 
 
2018  (the  EU  average  was  8.6  kg  ).  The  range  of  increase  between  2008  and  2018  is  even 
higher for phosphorus than for nitrogen; in Cyprus the consumption of phosphorus increased 
by  150%21.  Regarding  nitrates  in  groundwater,  Cyprus  had  in  2017  one  the  lowest 
percentages (33%) in high quality (-35% comparted in 2012) and the second highest (29%) in 
poor quality (+7% compared to 2012).  

As  far  as  water  quantity  is  concerned,  water  abstraction  pressure  is  highly  relevant  for 
Cyprus.  The  Water  Exploitation  Index  plus  (2009-2013)  is  73.1%  for  Cyprus,  which  is  far 
beyond  the  preliminary  European  sustainability  thresholds  (20-40%).  According  to  the 
assessment of the second river basin management plan (RBMP), 76% of groundwater bodies 
in  Cyprus  are  failing  to  achieve  good  status27.  Cyprus  has  registered  24%  of  surface  water 
bodies subject to pressure, being the third most threatened Member State in the EU28. 

The aforementioned assessment of the second RBMP has also shown that the most significant 
pressure  was  abstraction  or  flow  diversion  for  agriculture  affecting  71%  of  waters.  Water 
scarcity problems are been aggravated by increased irrigation: the share of irrigation in total 
water  abstraction  increased  from  66.6%  in  2012  to  76.8%  in  201729.  21%  of  the  total 
agricultural  area  was  irrigated  in  2016,  while  the  EU  average  was  6.5%.    In  view  of  this 
situation,  it  is  evident  that  achieving  a  sustainable  water  management  in  Cyprus  requires 
significant  efforts  to  reduce  agricultural  water  consumption.  Improving  water  efficiency  is 
one of the necessary measures. However, having  9% of agricultural  land under contracts  to 
improve  water  management  in  2018,  Cyprus  remained  below  the  EU  average  (12%),  but 
achieved  the  set  target  in  the  RDP  2014-2020.  Moreover,  according  to  the  Commission’s 
assessment  of  the  second  RBMP,  it  cannot  be  assessed  for  how  many  of  the  current  water 
abstractions a permit is in place. Cyprus estimates that there is around 10 000 of unauthorised 
(active)  wells  whilst  other  sources  consider  the  number  even  higher.  In  addition,  the  water 
abstractions  (old  water  rights)  in  place  before  the  national  law  of  2010  are  not  required  to 
have  a  metering  system,  which  makes  it  difficult  to  estimate  water  extraction  and  there  are 
indications  that  the  inspection  system  checks  only  a  fraction  of  the  water  abstractions. 
Although the Commission already had recommended in its assessment of the first RBMP to 
‘consider  switching  to  less  water-intensive  agricultural  products,  which  can  often  provide  a 
better economic return’, little progress has been made in implementing this recommendation. 

2.6  Contribute  to  the  protection  of  biodiversity,  enhance  ecosystem  services  and 

preserve habitats and landscapes  

The  farmland  bird  index  in  Cyprus  fluctuated  considerably  between  the  years,  reaching  a 
level of 104 in 201730. 

Regarding biodiversity, according to the latest reporting period of Nature legislation, Cyprus 
has 50% of grassland habitats type in favourable conservation status. Agriculture affects 60% 
of habitats assessments (second pressure) and 47% of species assessment.   

Due to farm input intensity in 2017, 61.4% of total utilised agricultural area was managed by  
farms  with  low  input  intensity  per  ha;  25.8%  of  total  UAA  was  managed  by  farms  with 
medium input intensity and the smallest ratio (12.9% of total UAA) was managed by farms 
with high input intensity31. Cyprus has a high level of arable land covered during the winter 
months32 and reports a high level of conservation tillage in tillable land33. 

In 2016, 6.1% of agricultural area (including natural grassland) is under Natura 2020. In order 
to protect the environment and biodiversity, the Cyprus Government has allocated a budget of 
EUR  10  million  for  projects  in  the  area  of  Natura  2000  Network.  These  projects  aim  at 
protecting  and  restoring  biodiversity  (habitats  and  species  of  the  Natura  2000  network),  as 
well as  evaluating and promoting ecosystem services through  green infrastructures34.  In the 
14 

 
 
future, a total area of 1.4 million hectares is planned to be covered by compensation payments 
for  agriculture  in  Natura  2000  areas  (M12.1).  This  equates  as  much  as  56%  of  agricultural 
area in Cyprus35. 

Demands on land arising from development, construction and use of residential, commercial, 
industrial  and  recreational  infrastructure  in  Cyprus  continues  to  put  pressure  on  habitats, 
especially birds.  

There is considerable variation across Member States in the area of farmland planned to be 
converted  and  maintained  according  to  the  requirements  under  the  organic  farming 
regulation.  This  varies  from  less  than  1%  to  more  than  10%  in  some  Member  States,  with 
most in Cyprus, just over 25%. It is therefore evident that the actual impacts on biodiversity 
will also vary accordingly. 

A total of 28 countries  account for 72% of the forest area in Europe. Forest area in Cyprus 
was reported at 18.7% of total land area. While the forest and other wooded area are stable, 
the total growing stock (the amount of standing trees) is increasing.  

At  country  level,  the  estimates  for  standing  and  lying  deadwood  range  between  5  and  15 
m3/ha for most countries in Europe. Cyprus reported very low average amount below 2 m3/ 
ha36 and this can be seen as part of the forest fire risk mitigation efforts. 

The total area under organic farming remains rather stable in Cyprus between 2016 and 2019 
but remains small (5 % of Cyprus total UAA) when compared to the EU-27 average (8%)37. 

Organic areas and producers have an upward trend from 2012 but there is no clear upwards 
trend  in  the  area  under  to  conversion  to  organic  farming,  so  the  future  development  is  not 
ensured.  

Area under organic farming in Cyprus 

Hectares under organic farming 

% of agricultural area under organic farming 

% of area under organic farming in 
the EU-27 

Source: European Commission. CAP context indicator C.19 Agricultural area under organic farming. Based on 
EUROSTAT [org_cropar_h1] and [org_cropar] 

15 

 
 
Share of agricultural area covered by  
high-diversity landscape features in the EU  

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0

7
2
U
E

E
B

G
B

Z
C

K
D

E
D

E
E

E
I

L
E

S
E

R
F

R
H

T
I

Y
C

V
L

T
L

U
L

U
H

T
M

L
N

T
A

L
P

T
P

I

O S
R

I

K F
S

E
S

Fallow land as % of agricultural area 
fallow land as % of agricultural area

landscape elements as % of agricultural area*
Landscape features as % of agricultural area 

Source: Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development. Based on EUROSTAT for land laying 
fallow and Joint Research Center based on LUCAS survey for estimation of landscape elements. 

*  Linear  elements  considered  here:  Grass  margins,  shrub  margins,  single  trees  bushes,  lines  of  trees,  hedges 
and ditches. This estimation is to be taken with caution because of methodological caveats. 

2.7  Attract young farmers and facilitate business development in rural areas 

Cyprus has the lowest share of young farmers in the total number of farm managers in the EU 
in 2016 (1.3%). A fact that contrasts with the highest share of young people in the population 
of any EU state: 23.6% of the Cypriot population is under 30 years of age38,39

. 

Similar  to  the  EU-trend,  the  share  of  young  farmers  decreased  between  2010  and  2016  in 
Cyprus. The ratio of young managers to elderly also decreased in Cyprus, and it is the lowest 
in  the EU.  In Cyprus, for every  farmer  younger than 35  years, there were 34 farmers older 
than 65. 

The average economic farm size in Cyprus is the highest in the age classes of 25 to 44 years 
old.  The  average  farm  managed  by  young  farmers  is  bigger  in  comparison  to  all  other  age 
groups. They also report the largest growth in standard output overtime. The average standard 
of farm leaders in the 25-34 age group in 2007 was EUR 30 000, while in 2016 it amounted 
to  EUR  50  000.  Similarly,  the  average  standard  output  of  farm  managers  in  the  35-44  age 
group in 2007 was ± EUR 21 000 and in 2016 ± EUR 46 000. The average standard output of 
heads of  agricultural  holdings over 65  years of  age  remains below EUR  10 000 throughout 
the reference period 2007-2016. 

Access to land is difficult due to limited availability and competition from development and 
residential users. Lowland areas are characterised by abandonment and conversion into urban 
agglomerations increasing rental prices for land and creating difficulties in access to land for 
young farmers. 

Livestock farming exceeds 60% (63% in 2017) of the total gross production value. Most of 
these businesses are family owned, making entry for young people outside of the family more 
difficult. 

Cyprus  dedicated  EUR  370  000  to  the  young  farmer  payment  in  2016  or  0.71%  of  the 
envelope  for  direct  payments.  The  percentage  of  the  national  direct  payment  envelope 
earmarked for the young farmer payment changed on a yearly basis in Cyprus. For 2019 and 
2020, Cyprus earmarked 1.35%40. 

16 

 
 
Under the rural development programme 2014-2020, 270 applications for support for young 
farmers have been submitted, and 193 of them have been approved. The measure is expected 
to contribute to an increase of 22% of farmers under the age of 35 by increasing the share of 
farmers  under  the  age  of  35  from  1.3%  to  1.6%.  Cyprus  also  earmarked  2.8%  of  the  rural 
development budget for business development plans for young farmers41.  

Improving the agricultural knowledge and innovation system could also attract young people 
with innovative ideas to farming. 

Share of farm managers <35 years by gender in Cyprus 

8,0%

6,0%

4,0%

2,0%

0,0%

8,0%

6,0%

4,0%

2,0%

0,0%

2013
share of female farm managers <35 years
Share of female farm managers < 35 years 
ratio < 35 y.o./>= 55 y.o. (right axis)
Ratio < 35 y.o />= 55 y.o. (right axis) 

2016

2005

2007

2010

Share of male farm managers below 35 years
Share of male farm managers below 35 years 
Share of farm managers below 35 years - EU-28
Share of farm managers below 35 years – EU-27 

Source: EUROSTAT. [ef_m_farmang] 

2.8  Promote  employment,  growth,  social  inclusion  and  local  development  in  rural 

areas, including bio-economy and sustainable forestry  

Cyprus is among those Member States for which data specifically for rural areas are available 
only  for  one  of  the  two  definitions  commonly  used  by  Commission  services  for  data 
collection  and  analysis.  Therefore,  the  section  below  presents  a  mix  of  national  averages, 
considering that Cyprus is among the smaller Member States in terms of overall surface, and 
data for its rural areas.  

The Cypriot economy is characterised by the predominance of the tertiary sector in terms of 
employment and income generation. The tertiary sector represents 86.8% of total gross value 
added  (GVA),  the  secondary  11.1%  and  the  primary  2.1%42.  Almost  80%  of  the  farms  in 
Cyprus are small farms (<EUR 8 000 standard output).The employment rate in rural areas in 
Cyprus  decreased  between  2008  and  2019  from  69.5%  to  68.1%.  The  rate  of  male  labour 
force ranged from 80.2% in 2008 to 74.7% in 2019. The respective rates for the female labour 
force for 2008 and 2019 are 59% and 61.6% (15-64 years old). In 2018, a gender gap of about 
17.6% and 30% existed between employment in males and females in upper/post-secondary 
education and tertiary education respectively. 

Unemployment  is  slightly  higher  in  rural  areas,  in  particular  in  mountain  areas,  where  job 
opportunities are scarce. Unemployment rate for rural areas ranged from 4.6% (2008) to 7.2% 
(2019) compared to 3.7% in 2008 and 7% in 2019 in urban areas43. Opportunities for working 
remotely, promoting private and better-targeted investments and diversification of activities, 
which remain under-exploited (e.g. by local action groups (LAGs)) would be key in keeping 
people  and  families  in  these  areas  rather  than  moving  to  the  cities.  More  innovative  and 
networking  approaches  within  Cyprus  and  the  internal  market  may  be  followed  under 
LEADER by targeting rural areas, semi-mountainous areas and mountainous ones rather than 
peri-urban and/or coastal. A shift from  conventional products to quality schemes or organic 
might  be  also  considered  in  order  to  create  added  value  and  higher  revenues.  Currently 
Cyprus is running four LAGs: (i) Larnakas-Ammohostou, (ii) Lemessou, (iii) Pafou and (iv) 
Mountain  Troodos,  covering  51%  of  the  territory  under  effective  control  of  the  Cyprus 

17 

 
 
government. They  cover  mainly  rural  areas  facing  development  constraints  in  the  mountain 
and semi-mountainous parts of the country. 

There are no rural areas defined in Cyprus for this indicator, hence no data is shown for the 
gross  domestic  product  (GDP)  per  capita  in  rural  regions.  GDP  per  capita  in  terms  of 
purchasing power standards (PPS) follows a downward trend from 2010 to 2014 and a slight 
increase from 2015 to 2017 at the intermediate regions. Mean and medium income decreased 
in rural areas from 2010 (EUR 16 466) to 2019. 

Rural tourism seems to have less importance in Cyprus. Share of available bed places in rural 
areas is around 45% of the national total44. 

The rural poverty rate in Cyprus in 2017 is 29.5%; it is above the EU average of 24.4% and  
higher than the total poverty rate (27.7%). The poverty rate slightly declined compared to the 
year 2015 (-2.7%)45. 

2.9  Improve the response of EU agriculture to societal demands on food and health, 

including safe, nutritious and sustainable food, as well as animal welfare 

The evaluation of the implementation of the Directive 2009/128/EC establishing a framework 
for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (SUD) showed that while 
the vast majority of pesticide users, distributors and advisors are trained and certified, there is 
no  functioning  system  in  place  for  pesticide  application  equipment  testing.  While  it  is 
obligatory  for  farmers  to  follow  the  principles  of  integrated  pest  management,  in  practice 
there  are  no  checks  to  verify  its  implementation.  As  regards  the  trends  in  harmonised  risk 
indicator (HRI146) Cyprus is over the EU average from 2013 until 2018 with an exemption in 
the  year  2016.  Moreover,  pesticides  use  per  hectare  in  Cyprus  is  the  highest  in  the  EU.  In 
2018, Cyprus used 9 kg/ha, compared to 2.3 kg/ha in the EU. This is attributed to the high 
pest pressure from insects and the very intensive potato production system (two to three crops 
per year) in some areas.47 

The  EU  report  of  EFSA  on  pesticide  residues  in  food  provides  an  overview  of  the  official 
control  activities  on  pesticide  residues  carried  out  in  the  European  Union  (EU)  Member 
States. According to 2018 report Cyprus had the second highest percentage (9.4%) in the EU 
of the samples analysed with quantified residues over the maximum residue levels (Pesticide 
residues resulting from the use of plant protection products)48. 

The results of the water-monitoring programme in order to identify the actions necessary to 
improve water quality were not fully used. Measures for the protection of watercourses and 
aquatic  organisms  need  to  be  strengthened,  making  full  use  of  water  monitoring  data 
available, and these shall be effectively verified by official controls. 

On  antimicrobial  resistance  (AMR)  according  to  the  most  recent  European  Surveillance  of 
Veterinary  Antimicrobial  Consumption  (ESVAC)49,  sales  of  veterinary  antimicrobials  in 
Cyprus (expressed in milligrams (mg) per population correction unit (PCU)) is the highest in 
the EU, almost four times the EU average. It increased from 2011 to 2018 (from 408 mg/PCU 
to 466.3 mg/PCU), with the average in EU-27 ranging from 170.2 mg/PCU in 2011 to 118,3 
mg/PCU in 2018. It is worth noting that the proportion of goats in Cyprus is relatively high 
compared to other countries participating in the ESVAC and that this may have a significant 
effect  on  the  magnitude  of  PCU  for  Cyprus  since  living  goats  are  not  included  in  the  PCU 
calculation for the ESVAC. However, the ESVAC report still mentions that if goats had been 
included in the PCU, the total annual sales would only have been approximately 11 % lower 
in 2018, which would still correspond to very high values. The Green Deal target at EU level 

18 

 
 
is  a  50%  reduction  in  overall  EU  sales  of  antimicrobials  by  2030,  to  which  a  significant 
contribution from Cyprus is expected.  

As  regards  animal  welfare,  tail  docking  of  pigs  is  a  routine  practice,  although  this  is 
prohibited as a routine measure by EU rules. The percentage of pigs reared with intact tails 
has  barely  changed  since  2016  and  conditions  on  farm  must  improve  if the  number  of  tail-
docked pigs is to start to decrease50. 

Cyprus scores one of the lowest proportions of fruit consumption in EU where 14.9% of the 
population  consumes  fruits  only  one  to  three  times  per  week.  It  is  a  medium  performer  as 
regards  the  consumption  of  vegetables  with  17.2%  of  the  population  consuming  vegetables 
one to three times per week51. A significant part of the Cypriot population is overweight or 
obese, which is above the EU27 average52. Efforts should focus on shifting towards healthy 
sustainable  diets,  in  line  with  national  recommendations  in  order  to  contribute  to  reducing 
overweight  and  obesity  rates  while  simultaneously  improving  the  overall  environmental 
impact of the food system. This includes moving to a more plant based diet with less red meat 
and more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. 

Concerning food loss and waste in  agriculture and food processing no data is  yet  available. 
The National Waste Prevention Programme (2015-2021)53 should give more attention to food 
loss  and  waste  occurring  at  the  primary  production  level  and  the  early  stages  of  the  supply 
chain.  

Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents marketed 
mainly for food-producing animals in Cyprus 

Harmonised Risk Indicator 1 for pesticides in Cyprus 
(2011-2013 = 100) 

Sales in mg/PCU 

EU-27 

HRI 1 

HRI 1 for EU-27 

Source: European Medicines Agency, European 
Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial 
consumption (ESVAC). Sales of veterinary 
antimicrobial agents in 31 countries in 2018 – trends 
from 2010 to 2018 Tenth ESVAC Report. 
EMA/24309/2020  

Source: European Commission. Harmonised Risk 
Indicator for pesticides (HRI1), by group of 
active substance. As in EUROSTAT [aei_hri] 

2.10  Cross-cutting objective on knowledge, innovation and digitalisation  

The establishment and operation of the agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) 
in  Cyprus  is  defined  by  the  structural  features  (small  land-parcels,  strong  human  resources, 
large number of employees), as well as the culture of Cypriot farmers (unwillingness to pay 
for  agricultural  advice,  crop  restructuring,  lack  of  cooperation,  limited  participation  in 
collective production and marketing schemes). In terms of diversity of European AKISs, the 
Cypriot system appears to be rather integrated and medium in strength (financing)54. Cyprus 
has a substantial component of its AKIS within a single organisation (MANRE, the Ministry 
of  Agriculture,  Natural  Resources  and  Environment).  The  agriculture  division  of  MANRE 
undertakes activities in research through the agricultural research institute (ARI) as well as in 

19 

 
 
extension and farmers’ education/training (Agricultural Extension Section of the Department 
of Agriculture). Currently, the extension service employs 120 people (extension officers and 
technicians) of whom 63% are university graduates. In addition, Cyprus has retained a strong, 
largely publicly funded advisory service, free of charge for farmers55.  

In Cyprus, 28% of the total farm managers attained basic or full agricultural training in 2016. 
This  share  was  5.7%  in  2010.  Compared  to  the  EU,  the  share  of  farmers  that  attained  full 
agricultural training is lower in Cyprus56. 

The  links  between  research-innovation  and  the  economy  are  particularly  weak  in  Cyprus57. 
Cyprus can further improve its research and innovation system to support productivity growth 
and the required digital and environmental transition in a post-pandemic scenario. However, 
recent  measures  such  as  the  creation  of  a  new  department  for  research  and  innovation,  the 
appointment of a new Deputy Ministry for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy as well as 
the  new  National  Strategy  for  Research  and  Innovation  2019-2023,  which  sets  a  higher 
research  and  innovation  intensity  target  of  1.5%  of  GDP  by  2023  (up  from  the  current 
0.56%),  are  promising  steps58.  It  remains  to  be  seen  how  this  will  translate  into  enhanced 
knowledge flows within the AKIS and reach farmers. It is also important to assess if and how 
this research will be targeting farmers’ needs as well as societal challenges related to farming, 
such as those related to the Green Deal, environment and climate change. 

Under  the  programming  period  2014-2020,  Cyprus  programmed  2%  of  their  total  rural 
development  envelope  (EAFRD  +  national  contribution)  under  knowledge  transfer  and 
information  actions,  advisory  services,  farm  management  and  farm  relief  services  and  co-
operation  and  the  European  Innovation  Partnership  (EIP-Agri).  This  is  well  below  the  EU 
average of 3.6%. In addition, the Cypriot National Rural Network has the smallest allocated 
budget  for  its  activities,  accounting  for  EUR  1  million  and  demonstrates,  according  to  the 
second interim evaluation of the 2014-2020 rural development programme, a limited activity 
in  promoting  cooperation  for  the  production  and  uptake  of  innovation  in  agricultural 
production and food. The Cypriot rural development programme aimed at making available 2 
800  training  places  for  increasing  knowledge  and  skills  of  agricultural  entrepreneurs  and 
foresters and at launching 40 cooperation projects, mainly by establishing operational groups 
and pilot projects developing innovative products, practices and technologies under the EIP, 
or  cooperation  projects  for  the  development  of  short-supply  chains  and  local  markets59. 
However, Cyprus has not officially submitted funding requests for any operational  groups60 
having  thus  failed  so  far  to  achieve  the  set  target  for  202061.  In  addition,  The  EIP-AGRI 
database  records  in  relation  to  Cyprus  only  one  project  in  2015-2016,  funded  by  the 
ERASMUS programme62. The future national CAP network can play a much bigger role in 
promoting synergies between the CAP and European Research Area (ERA) opportunities and 
thus to keep in close touch with the Horizon Europe National Contact Points. By collecting 
information,  for  instance  through  knowledge  platforms,  the  CAP  network  will  facilitate  the 
implementation of relevant research and innovation results. 

Cyprus’ performance in  digitalisation is  weak;  it ranks in  the low end in the Commission’s 
digital economy and society index (DESI) 202063. Only 45% of Cypriots between 16 and 74 
years have at least basic digital skills and ICT specialists still represent a lower proportion of 
the workforce compared to  the EU average (2.7% vs  3.9%), hampering  the potential of the 
digital  economy.  There  is  a  low  level  of  online  interaction  between  public  authorities  and 
citizens, with only 51% of Cypriots interacting online. The level of e-commerce (i.e. SMEs 
selling online, e-commerce turnover and online cross-border sales) is improving (31.8 in 2019 
against 29.4 in 2018) but it is still below the EU average of 40.1 (out of 100). Investing in the 
digital  economy is  essential  for bolstering productivity  and boosting the economic recovery 
after  the  crisis.  A  positive  step  for  Cyprus  is  its  leadership  in  coverage  of  next  generation 
access (NGA) technologies64. 

20 

 
 
Agricultural training of farm managers below 35 years (left) and total farm manager population (right) in Cyprus 

Managers with 
full agricultural 
training 

Managers with 
basic agricultural 
training 

Full training EU 
average 

Basic training 
EU average 

Source: European Commission. CAP context indicator C.24 Agricultural training of farm managers. Based on 
EUROSTAT [ef_mp_training] 

Broadband coverage and digital skills remain lower than the EU. 

Broadband coverage in Cyprus 

NGA broadband (% of rural households) 

Broadband access (% of rural households) 

NGA broadband (% of total households) 

Source: European Commission. Digital Economy and Society Index. DESI individual indicators – 1b1 Fast BB 
(NGA) coverage [desi_1b1_fbbc] 

21 

 
 
 
 
1   European  Commission.  Commission  Staff  Working  Document  –  Impact  Assessment  Report  for  a 

communication on Agricultural Product Quality Policy. SWE(2009) 670.  

2   European Commission, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the 
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the  Regions on an EU strategy to reduce 
methane emissions, COM(2020) 663 

3   European Commission. Analysis of climate change impacts on EU agriculture by 2050, 2020 
4   Please  note  that  there  are  different  ways  to  define  “rural  areas”.  The  text  above  is  based  on  the  so-called 
“urban-rural  typology”  in  line  with  the  CAP  common  context  indicators.  However,  according  to  the 
definition based on the  “degree of urbanisation typology”,  in Cyprus 57,1% of the territory are rural areas 
and 18,7% of the population lives in rural areas. Source: Eurostat. 

5   European  Commission.  CAP  impact  indicator  I.01  Agricultural  entrepreneurial  income.  Based  on 

EUROSTAT [aact_eaa04], [aact_ali01] and [aact_eaa06].. 

6  European  Commission  Distribution  of  direct  payments  and 

income  –background  analysis 

Ares(2019)6244107 - 09/10/2019 

7   European  Commission 

-  Analytical 

factsheet 

for  Cyprus: 

version 

September 

2019, 

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/food-farming-
fisheries/by_country/documents/analytical_factsheet_cy.pdf 

8  European Commission - 2018 Annual Reports in the fruit and vegetables sector (2018) 
9  European Commission - Study on economic value of EU quality schemes, geographical indications (GIs) and 

traditional specialities guaranteed (TSGs) Final Report (2019) 
10   EU Green House Gas Data Viewer, European Environment Agency 
11   EUROSTAT [env_air_gge]  
12   CCI 43, analysis in the 2018 AIR mid-term evaluation report. 
13   EUROSTAT [nrg_bal_s]  
14   Kilo tonnes of oil equivalent 
15  Cyprus  Government,  Ministry  of  Agriculture,  Rural  Development  and  Environment,  Department  of 

Environment The Cyprus Climate Change Risk Assessment Report,  2016 

16   CYPADAPT  Development  of  a  national  strategy  for  adaptation  to  climate  change  adverse  impacts  in 

Cyprus LIFE10 ENV/CY/000723  
17   2019, Climate ADAPT, Cyprus Profile 
18   European Environmental Agency (EEA). National Emission Ceilings Directive emissions data viewer 1990-
2018, https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/national-emission-ceilings-nec-directive-inventory-17 
19   European Environmental Agency (EEA). National Emission Ceilings Directive emissions data viewer 1990-

2018 

20   European Commission.  CAP context indicator C.42 Soil erosion by water. Original source: Joint Research 
https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/food-farming-

Center 
, 
fisheries/by_country/documents/analytical_factsheet_cy.pdf 

21   European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.41  Soil  organic  matter  in  arable  land.  Joint  Research 
Center  (JRC)  based  on  LUCAS  Land  Use  Survey  2015,  https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/food-
farming-fisheries/farming/documents/cap-context-indicators-table_2019_en.pdf 

22   European Commission Factsheet on 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme for Cyprus 
23   European  Commission,  DG  Agriculture  and  Rural  Development  analysis  based  on  Member  States’ 

notifications pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 

24   EUROSTAT [aei_pr_gnb]  
25   European  Commission.  Commission  Staff  Working  Document  –  Second  River  Basin  Management  Plans  -

Member State:Cyprus. SWD(2019) 34.  

26   European Commission. CAP context indicator C.40 Water quality. Based on EUROSTAT [aei_pr_gnb] and 
European  Environmental  Agency  as  in  Waterbase  –  Water  Quality,  CSI020,  based  on  data  reported  to 
EIONET 

27   European  Commission.  Commission  Staff  Working  Document  –  Second  River  Basin  Management  Plans  -

Member State:Cyprus. SWD(2019) 34.   

28   Evaluation of the Impact of the CAP on Water 2019,  p. 151 
29   CAP 

indicator 

context 

C.39, 

https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/food-farming-

fisheries/farming/documents/cap-context-indicators-table_2019_en.pdf 

30   European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.35  Farmland  birds  index  (FBI).  As  in  EUROSTAT 

[env_bio2], original source: EBCC, BirdLife, RSPB and CSO 

31   European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.34  Natura  2000  areas.  Based  on  NATURA  2000 

Barometer and European Environmental Agency, Corine Land Cover 2018 

32   European Commission.  CAP context indicator C.42 Soil erosion by water.  Original source: Joint Research 

Center 

22 

 
 
 
                                                           
33   EUROSTAT. [ef_mp_prac] 
34   European Commission: Europe 2020, Cyprus National Reform Programme 2019    
35   European  Commission:  Evaluation  of  the  impact  of  the  CAP  on  habitats,  landscapes,  biodiversity  Final 

Report, 2019 

36   FAO, State of Europe’s Forests, 2015 
37  European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.19  Agricultural  area  under  organic  farming.  Based  on 

EUROSTAT [org_cropar_h1] and [org_cropar] 

38   European Commission. CAP context indicator C.23 Age structure of farm managers. Based on EUROSTAT 

[ef_m_farmang] 

39   EUROSTAT [ef_m_farmang] 
40   Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development own calculations based on CATS (Clearance of 

Accounts Trailing System) data 

41  Directorate  General  for  Agriculture  and  Rural  Development,  Annual  Implementation  Report  of  Rural 

Development Programmes, 2018. 

42   European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.11  Structure  of  the  employment.  Based  on  EUROSTAT 

[nama_10r_3empers] 

43   European Commission. CAP context indicator C.05 Employment rate. Based on EUROSTAT [lfst_r_ergau] 
44  European  Commission.  CAP  context  indicator  C.30  Tourism  infrastructure.  Based  on  EUROSTAT 

[tour_cap_nuts2d] 

45  European Commission. CAP context indicator C.09 Poverty rate. Based on EUROSTAT [ilc_peps11] 
46   Eurostat [aei_hri] 
47  European  Commission.  Audit  carried  out  in  Cyprus  from  05  March  2019  to  13  March  2019  in  order  to 
evaluate the implementation of measures to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. Final report 2019-6918 
https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/details.cfm?rep_id=4203 

48   European Food Safety Authority; The 2018 European Union report on pesticide residues in food 
49   European  Medicines  Agency,  European  Surveillance  of  Veterinary  Antimicrobial  consumption  (ESVAC). 
Sales of veterinary antimicrobial agents in 31 countries in 2018  – trends from 2010 to 2018 Tenth ESVAC 
Report. EMA/24309/2020. 

50   Letter Commissioner Kyriakides to Cyprus (Ares(2020)2643693 - 20/05/2020) 
51   Eurostat (hlth_ehis_fv1e) 
52   EUROSTAT [SDG_02_10] 
53   The National Waste Prevention Programme (2015-2021) 
54   EU SCAR AKIS (2019), Preparing for Future AKIS in Europe. Brussels, European Commission 
55   Koutsouris, A. (2014):  AKIS and advisory services in Cyprus. Report for the AKIS inventory (WP3) of the 

PRO AKIS project.  www.proakis.eu/publicationsandevents/pubs,  

56  EUROSTAT [ef_mp_training] 
57  European Commission.  Commission Staff Working Document  – Country Report Cyprus 2019 Including an 
In-Depth Review on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances. SWD(2019) 1012 final. 
58   COUNCIL  RECOMMENDATION  on  the  2020  National  Reform  Programme  of  Cyprus  and  delivering  a 

Council opinion on the 2020 Stability Programme of Cyprus, 2020/C 282/13 

59   Factsheet on 2014 - 2020  Rural Development Programme for Cyprus 
60   European Commission, shared fund management common system (SFC). Operational Group data_Updated. 

25 August 2020. 

61   Factsheet  on  2014  -  2020    Rural  Development  Programme  for  Cyprus,  p.  2,  2020  08  28  EIP  coop 

projects_targets. 

62   European  Commission,  EIP-AGRI  NARA:  Training  on  Agriculture  and  postharvest  fruit  and  vegetables 

through sustainable best practices, 2016 

63   European  Commission.  Digital  Economy  and  Society  Index.  DESI  individual  indicators  –  1b1  Fast  BB 

(NGA) coverage [desi_1b1_fbbc]  

64   Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 

23