June 21, 2023
Cyprus AKIS | Updates on the different AKIS
AKIS Overview
The structural elements of AKIS such as the provision of education – training to farmers, the provision of advice, the facilitation of two-way communication and cooperation between the research community and producers, the dissemination of good practices, the National Agricultural Network, the European Innovation Partnership network are the responsibility of Department of Agriculture.
The consulting activities are provided through a very wide network of Regional Departments that are part of the six provincial offices based on the annual Program of the Agricultural Extensions Service which is drawn up with the cooperation of the Regional Agricultural Offices, the central branches of the Department of Agriculture (Horticultural and Animal Husbandry Branches) and the Branch of Agricultural Extensions which plays the coordinating role.
To meet educational needs, three Agricultural Education Centers operate, while there are also model fields that can be visited. In addition, the Working Groups comprised by the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Institute meet on an annual basis to discuss the farmers’ needs and support in drafting the Annual AKIS program. On an annual basis, around 150 training courses are organized in all the District Agricultural Offices with an average of 22 people per training course.
AKIS Coordination Bodies
The Branch of Agricultural Extensions within the Department of Agriculture is the AKIS Coordination Body. This Branch is also responsible for the National Rural Network, the EIP, the Regional Advisory Offices, the Regional Training Centers. Hence it is the single Unit within the Department of Agriculture which organizes all the AKIS functions. It is headed by a high Ranking Officer and is answerable to the Director of the department of Agriculture.
CAP Strategic Plan Priorities
The CAP strategic plan has highlighted the following priorities:
From the field to the consumer’s table: To support structures with the help of which the farmer will come closer to the consumer, thus strengthening the immediacy of the relationship through which mutual respect and understanding of needs will occur and it will be possible to recognize and reward the efforts and labors of farmers .
Cooperation: To strengthen the position of farmers in the food chain through synergies and collaborations in the standardization and marketing of their products.
Environment: To create farmers who respect the environment and produce in a way that will ensure natural resources for future generations.
Food quality and safety for consumers: To support farmers and breeders who respect the health of the consumer and use farming practices that ensure food safety, strictly adhering to those practices that limit the risk of chemical residues and the use of antibiotics in animals.
Competitiveness: To take advantage of new technologies to make our farmers competitive, so that they can survive in the globalized market and offer the consumer food at reasonable prices.
Mountains: To breathe life into the mountainous areas by seeking their regeneration. We will achieve this by investing in better coordination of the competent services, always aiming to create those conditions that will help the inhabitants to remain in the mountainous areas and also to return even those who have left them.
Find the full AKIS country report here.
