EU aid for Turkish Cypriot farmers

THE EU has made available up to €500,000 in aid for the support of Turkish Cypriot sheep and goat farmers. Brussels will pay up to 65 per cent of the cost of selected projects to improve hygiene on sheep and goat farms in the Turkish Cypriot community.

Under the Pilot Rural Development Grant Scheme, the EU will give grants of between €5,000 and €25,000 for equipment ranging from milking machines to bulk storage tanks. The aim is to promote the use of cold-chain technology in the sheep and goat milk sector, which will be a requirement in the future to ensure the quality of milk used in cheese production. The grants are financed from the €259 million EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.

Applications will only be considered from farmers with more than 50 sheep and goats.

Priority will be given to younger farmers (up to 40 years old) and those who demonstrate a commitment to the sector and a willingness to improve hygiene on their farm.

Application forms and guidance can be obtained from the EuropeAid website, at http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl, or from the offices of the Turkish Cypriot Farmers’ Union, the Animal Breeders’ and Stock Breeders’ Union or the Madison Dairy Advisory Group.

Farmers wishing to know more about the scheme and how to apply are invited to an information meeting, which will take place at 6pm tomorrow at the Saray Hotel.
Applications must be delivered to Brussels by January 28

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