Cyprus farmers to receive €1.5m in EU aid for fuel and fertiliser costs
The Council of Ministers approved two EU-funded schemes worth €1.5 million to help farmers cope with higher diesel and fertiliser costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved two financial support schemes worth a combined €1.5 million for farmers hit by higher production costs caused by the crisis in the Middle East, as reported by Cyprus Mail. The aid targets rising fuel and fertiliser expenses.
According to the agriculture ministry, the support falls under European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1894 and is fully funded by the European Union.
The first scheme, worth €800,000, offers emergency aid to farmers and agricultural businesses to offset higher costs for "coloured" diesel. It covers eligible diesel obtained between April 1 and October 31, 2026, at no more than €0.126 per litre. Individual payments will range from €100 to €5,000 per beneficiary.
The second scheme, worth €701,200, addresses increased fertiliser costs. Aid will cover 15 per cent of the eligible value, excluding VAT, of fertiliser purchase invoices dated between June 1 and October 31, 2026.
Payments will be made by the agricultural payments organisation (CAPO). To qualify for the diesel scheme, beneficiaries must hold a licence to use "coloured" diesel and have received eligible diesel during the specified period. For the fertiliser scheme, they must be registered under the relevant categories of the farmers and agricultural holdings register and submit paid fertiliser invoices.
Applications for both schemes are expected to open from November 2 to 16, 2026, with further details to be published once the schemes are formally announced. If total claims exceed the available budget, payments will be reduced proportionately. The two schemes follow a package of measures announced in March 2026 to address the effects of the energy crisis and higher production costs.
What it means for residents
The aid is aimed at keeping farms running through a period of costly diesel and fertiliser, which supports local food production and prices. For most residents, the direct impact is limited, but those working in agriculture should prepare paperwork now and watch for the official announcement.
- Farmers and agricultural businesses: check you meet the eligibility criteria (coloured diesel licence, register entry) and keep paid invoices and fuel records for the April–October and June–October 2026 periods.
- Timing: applications are expected between November 2 and 16, 2026. Details will be confirmed when the schemes are formally announced, so monitor CAPO and ministry updates.
- Budget cap: if claims exceed the €1.5 million total, payments will be scaled down proportionately, so submitted amounts are not guaranteed in full.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
