Cyprus to Allocate €1.15 Million to Reduce Livestock Emissions

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus has approved a three-year program to modernize the livestock sector, valued at €1.15 million.

The initiative is set for 2026–2028 and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030.

The program was prepared following a proposal by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, and is based on studies by the Agricultural Research Institute.

Since 1990, agricultural emissions in Cyprus have increased by 17.3%, currently accounting for 6.6% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.

The new program includes:

• Detailed analysis of actual emissions in the livestock sector;
• Development of targeted reduction measures;
• Integration of data into the new Rural Development Strategic Plan.

A previously completed program to reduce emissions from nitrogen fertilizers achieved a 70% reduction, saving the state €4.8 million annually through the emission trading system.

As part of the new project, five specialists will be hired for a 24-month period.

According to the minister, the program will strengthen the scientific basis for decision-making and deliver measurable results in reducing livestock emissions.