The Government is proceeding to announce the Major Investment Measure of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023–2027, totalling €67.5 million, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Palace during a press briefing, Letymbiotis said that the Strategic Plan was the result “of extensive consultation with agricultural organisations and production sectors, so that it responds to the real needs of the primary sector and the challenges faced by farmers”.

The major investment includes a series of new elements, innovations, improvements and simplified procedures. Among these, according to Letymbiotis, is that only those who are registered in the farmers and agricultural holdings registry are eligible, while it also includes easing of licensing requirements and acceleration of licensing procedures, through special conditions in consultation with the Ministry of the Interior and other competent services.

Also, for the first time, an amount is allocated per priority with a separate points system, ensuring the implementation of the objectives of the new Strategy and the approval of the best applications per production sector.

Investments in Renewable Energy Sources as well as actions to save energy and reduce production costs are promoted with a special financial facility from the Electricity Authority he said, adding that following a Council of Ministers decision, it also provides for obligations regarding the rational use of water.

The scheme also includes supporting sheep and goat farming with €29.5 million, with the aim of strengthening the production of halloumi based on the protected designation of origin (PDO) specifications and increasing the production of sheep and goat milk.