Filenews 15 November 2024 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The government's goal is for halloumi to remain Cyprus' main export product, noting that emphasis is placed on both protecting the PDO designation and further increasing exports, the Minister of Agriculture said in response to questions from DISY MPs during the presentation of her ministry's budget. In this direction, he said, further incentives will soon be given to support sheep and goat farming.
Regarding aerial fire fighting, he said that for 2025 there will be no problem since the contracts signed this year cover the new year. He noted that until aircraft are purchased with procedures to be followed by the General Accounting Office instead of the Department of Forests as was the case until today, aircraft will be leased in time to meet the needs. He also noted that in 2025 the reopening of the Forest College as a School of Higher Education will proceed.
The Minister described waste management as the Ministry's biggest challenge. He referred to a specific plan and timetable set for its implementation, which is being monitored by the YGAAP Administration, the Water Development Department and the Department of Environment.
The plans, he said, include the construction of a plant for the production of energy from waste, noting that this will be further examined if indicated by a feasibility study that is underway.
He also referred to the plans that will lead to the complete upgrade of the existing OEDA units of Koshi and Pentakomo, noting that within 2025 the tender documents will be completed on the basis of a feasibility study that will precede.
