The prolonged drought has had serious repercussions on the viticulture sector in Cyprus, leading to a significant contraction in vineyard production.

As stated by Nikos Savvides, President of the Cooperative Organization for the Distribution of Viticultural Products (SODAP), in an interview with the main evening news on RIK, this year’s grape production is even lower than last year’s, making it impossible to meet the demands of local wineries.

In addition to the drought, the devastating summer wildfires that swept through the mountainous communities of Limassol, traditionally known as “wine villages,” further reduced grape yields.

This shortage has forced wine producers to import grapes, a development that represents yet another blow to the domestic viticulture industry.

Mr. Savvides emphasized that vine growers are urging the government to provide per-hectare subsidies for all vineyards, in an effort to minimize the financial damage they are enduring.