Cyprus is set to receive almost €4 million from the EU for the withdrawal of 19,220 tonnes of citrus fruits, due to the Russian embargo, after efforts by Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Nicos Kouyialis.
On September 5, at the extraordinary EU Agriculture Ministers` Council, Kouyialis had requested the inclusion of citrus fruits to the products to be compensated by the EU for the embargo imposed by Russian on agricultural products from the EU, and on Monday for the first time the European Commission decided to provide financial support for the withdrawal of oranges, mandarins and clementines.
In statements to CNA from Milan, where he is attending the Agriculture Ministers` Council, Kouyialis expressed satisfaction that the Commission accepted Cyprus` request, noting that Cyprus would be entitled to withdraw 19,220 tonnes of citrus fruits, costing around €200 per tonne.
The compensation scheme, worth €165 million, also covers apples, pears, kiwis, plums, grapes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes, among other produce.
