Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Nicos Kouyialis has said that the Russian embargo on agriculture products influences to a great extend Cyprus` production.
Addressing Friday the EU Agriculture Council, Kouyialis said that the EU has to take targeted measures, including direct financial aid especially for Cypriot citrus fruit producers, who are mostly hit by the embargo.
“The imposition of the Russian embargo against EU agricultural products is a serious issue which must be addressed by the Union”, Kouyialis said, adding that the measures taken by the EU constitute a first step to the right direction.
He added that more targeted measures must follow in order to address the consequences for all EU states.
Referring to the situation in Cyprus, Kouyialis said that the consequences of the Russian embargo influence to a great extend the Cypriot production, noting that this is a very serious issue, especially during difficult economic situation on the island.
Pointing out that the export of Cypriot citrus fruits to Russia reaches 40% – 60% he asked for targeted measures to be taken