The European Commission has mobilized €4.6 million from the agricultural reserve fund for Cyprus to aid local farmers hit hard by prolonged drought and escalating feed costs.

European Commission Mobilizes Agricultural Reserve Funds

Cyprus will receive €4.6 million from the European Commission after EU member states approved the Commission’s proposal on Monday to mobilize more than €56 million from the agricultural reserve fund. Under the same decision, farmers in Portugal will receive €30 million, in Romania €14.8 million, in Croatia €4.4 million, and Slovenia €2.8 million.

According to the announcement, these funds are intended to support farmers who suffered significant damage due to adverse climate events. Cyprus experienced prolonged drought and extreme heat beginning in May 2025, resulting in substantial crop production losses and higher animal feed costs.

Eligible Agricultural Sectors and Livestock Relief

The support will be directed to producers of fruits, nuts, vineyards, olives, and arable crops, including mixed livestock farmers. The allocated EU budget may be supplemented by national funding of up to 200% of the EU contribution.

Throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026, farmers in these countries suffered considerable damage and financial losses due to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.

Impact of Severe Weather Disasters Across the EU

Portugal was affected by Storm Kristin in January and February 2026, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding that damaged agricultural land and infrastructure, causing major losses in agricultural production.

In Romania, severe drought and repeated heatwaves between June and August 2025 reduced sunflower and maize yields. Cyprus endured prolonged drought and extreme heat from May 2025 onward, leading to major crop losses and increased feed costs. In Croatia, spring and summer 2025 brought freezing temperatures, excessive rainfall, and drought, damaging crops such as fruit, vineyards, and sugar beet. Slovenia experienced spring frosts that affected apple production.

Specific Crop Designations and Distribution Deadlines

The agricultural sectors and crops eligible for support include for Cyprus citrus fruits, bananas, figs, pomegranates, prickly pears, vineyards, olive oil and table olives, cereals, fodder crops, beekeeping, and livestock farming (cattle, sheep, and goats).

Portugal's sectors include arable crops, olive oil and table olives, fruits and vegetables, wine, and livestock farming, Croatia includes plums, hazelnuts, vineyards, alfalfa, and sugar beet. Romania's include sunflowers and maize, and Slovenia apples. National authorities must ensure that farmers receive support quickly, and the aid must be distributed no later than 28 February 2027.

Implementation Guidelines and Oversight Regulations

Following today’s approval by the member states, the Commission will formally adopt its proposal. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force the day after publication. The affected member states must inform the Commission without delay about the implementation details of the measures. This includes the criteria used to determine individual aid payments, the expected impact of the measures monthly payment forecasts, and the level of additional national support to be provided. The notification must also include measures taken to prevent distortions of competition and overcompensation.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)