Cypriots Threatened with Fines for Premature Carob Harvesting

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Cyprus has warned that fines of up to 1,000 euros will be imposed on those who collect, transport, or sell carob fruits before August 15.

The ministry stated that they “attach great importance to promoting crops adapted to the specific climatic conditions of Cyprus” to achieve “sustainable agricultural development and adaptation to the conditions caused by climate change.”

In light of this, the government has set August 15 as the earliest date when carob fruits can be harvested, transported, and sold, aiming to “protect the local production of its fruits.”

“Carob is a unique resource with a long tradition of adaptation and resilience to soil and climatic conditions where other tree crops scarcely thrive,” the ministry's statement reads.

It is also noted that setting the harvest date will “limit the damage to trees caused by the collection of unripe carob fruits and maximize the benefits from trade for both producers and carob plantation owners.”

Additionally, implementing the earliest possible date will help “prevent the theft of unripe carob fruits intended for illegal trade for temporary profit."

Those who wish to transport or trade carob fruits before August 15 must submit a written application to the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, stating the reasons for their request. If approved, the applicant will be issued the appropriate permit.