The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (RDP 2014-2020) is the main agricultural policy tool, for the development of the primary production sector and the rural areas of Cyprus.

It consists of a number of measures aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of agriculture, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources and achieving balanced regional development, including the creation of employment opportunities.

The Programme was approved by the European Commission on December 3, 2015. Within the framework of the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme, € 243 3 million is expected to be allocated as public expenditure.

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development Program contributes to 53% of total public expenditure, while the remaining amount will be allocated by the Republic of Cyprus as National Participation. It is noted that in the framework of the 6th amendment of the RDP 2014 – 2020, the co-financing rate of 80% was included by the EAFRD in parallel with the existence of the 53% rate for Measures 1, 9, 16 and 19. The only exception is Measure 6.1 “Aid for first installation young farmers “, which is 100% funded by the European Union.

The delay in the adoption of the Regulations of the new Common Agricultural Policy, which is being negotiated in the EU institutions, has led to the extension of the Rural Development Program for the next two years 2021 and 2022. With the adoption of a relevant European Regulation, the European Commission determined this Transitional Period and granted for the Cyprus Program an additional amount of € 64.2 million for a new round of announcements in these two years. In this context, an additional amount of around € 100 million is expected to be allocated as public expenditure.

The announcement of the measures included in the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and all accompanying material (application deadlines, informative guidelines, applications) will be publicized widely through multiple communication channels (internet, press releases, information sessions).

• Agriculture - Farming - Forestry
• Environment and Climate Change
• Natural and Cultural Heritage
• Research, Technological Development and Innovation
• Rural development
• Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness
• Trade and Commerce

• Farmers Unions
• Farmers, Agriculturalists
• Local Authorities
• Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Unemployed