A total of €12 million will be allocated to four Local Action Groups (LAGs) aimed at developing rural areas, following contracts signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, these contracts pertain to the implementation of Local Development Strategies under the "LEADER" intervention of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Specifically, the Development Companies of the Communities of Troodos, Larnaca and Famagusta, Limassol, and Paphos "Aphrodite" will receive a total amount of €12 million for the next five years.

Minister of Agriculture Petros Xenophontos praised the "good work" of the Local Action Groups, which is reflected in local communities. "You are the Ministry's arms for developing rural areas, and through this agreement, we will see more targeted projects fully meeting the residents' needs," Xenophontos stated in the announcement.

Andreas Gregoriou, Director General of the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, mentioned that the Local Action Groups submitted applications, which were evaluated by a six-member committee and ranked according to the scores they received.

The Development Company of the Communities of Troodos ranked first and will receive €3.1 million. The Development Company of Larnaca and Famagusta ranked second, receiving €3 million. The Development Company of Limassol was third, with €2.9 million, and the Development Company of Paphos "Aphrodite" fourth, receiving €2.8 million.

"Over a five-year horizon, we anticipate the implementation of projects that will support communities and local population groups," added Gregoriou.

Representatives of the Local Action Groups shared their experiences from previous programming periods. They explained that their strategy for developmental projects follows a "bottom-up" approach, starting from the local community.

Petros Hatzikostas, Director of the Development Company of the Communities of Troodos, mentioned that in previous periods, they implemented agrotourism and infrastructure projects, both private and public. "We aim to introduce other actions, such as those for youth entrepreneurship and small investments like tutoring centers, dental clinics, physiotherapy buildings, and generally projects needed in our area," said Hatzikostas.

Vasilis Konstantinou, Director of the Development Company of Larnaca - Famagusta, referred to the consultations that were held, which helped voice the problems and needs of rural areas. He mentioned a specific project implemented in the previous period in Agios Theodoros, where the Development Company's contribution was crucial to the community's satisfaction.

Rakis Pierides, Director of the Development Company of Limassol, explained that the previous programming period faced several challenges due to the war in Ukraine and the coronavirus pandemic. "A significant aspect is that in the new programming period, we have included environmental projects and actions targeting youth, aimed at specific strategies. In my opinion, the LEADER Local Development Strategies will be implemented successfully in the new period," said Pierides.

Also, Marios Ioannou, Director of the Development Company of Paphos "Aphrodite," stated that the Strategy's implementation was highly successful in the previous period. However, he requested more safeguards regarding absorption. "When a project of an individual or the Provincial Administration is approved, there should be a timetable to start or implement the project. This will help the Development Companies not to lose funds," he said.