Eunite: Uniting Cyprus for Business, the EU-funded initiative supporting the economic and social development of the Turkish Cypriot community, continues to expand. On March 6, the Programme launched Eunite: AgriBusiness, a new pillar aimed at strengthening the Turkish Cypriot agriculture and rural development sector, further advancing EU support in this key area.
The kick-off event, held in Nicosia, brought together farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, advisors, and policymakers to mark the launch of this new initiative. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the objectives and key activities of Eunite: AgriBusiness, which will focus on implementing an Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) to enhance knowledge transfer, innovation, and market integration in the sector.
Key highlights of the day included insightful presentations, inspirational case studies from EU Member States, and interactive discussions on the challenges and opportunities for the Turkish Cypriot agricultural sector. Experts and stakeholders explored best practices in knowledge transfer, innovation, and market access, showcasing how the implementation of an Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) can drive sustainable growth and competitiveness.
Participants also engaged in networking sessions and panel discussions, fostering collaboration among farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting the modernization and integration of Turkish Cypriot agriculture within the wider economy.
The launch event in Nicosia gathered representatives from the European Commission, Turkish Cypriot local bodies, and key agricultural and business stakeholders. In his opening speech, Stefan Simosas, Head of Co-operation at the Cyprus Settlement Support Unit of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “With Eunite: AgriBusiness, we are investing in the future of Turkish Cypriot agriculture by providing farmers and rural businesses with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in a modern, sustainable economy.”
Through training, advisory services, research, and demonstration activities, Eunite: AgriBusiness will support Turkish Cypriot farmers and agri-food businesses in improving production practices, sustainability, and alignment with EU food safety and quality standards. By strengthening high-potential value chains and facilitating trade opportunities—including across the Green Line—this new stream of support aims to contribute to a more competitive, resilient, and future-ready agricultural sector.
For more information on Eunite: AgriBusiness and upcoming opportunities, visit www.Eunite-cyprus.eu/en/agribusiness
About Eunite Programme
As part of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, Eunite focuses on contributing to confidence building in Cyprus through improved public and animal health in the Turkish Cypriot community (TCc), supporting the production of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) compliant Halloumi/Hellim and boosting trade across the Green Line. Eunite is also working to integrate Turkish Cypriot businesses into the island-wide economy and the European single market and to strenghten Turkish Cypriot agriculture and rural development by implementing an Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), including support to high-potential value chains.
With a sustained technical and financial support, it is intended to help Turkish Cypriots to build on the results achieved and the recommendations for the way forward as provided by ongoing technical assistance projects to enable trade across the Green Line in food products, including PDO compliant Halloumi/Hellim and advancing economic convergence and bi-communal collaboration in Cyprus.
Specifically, Eunite works in three streams:
Eunite: Halloumi/Hellim PDO
The project focuses on improving the EU Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme and related EU food safety standards in the dairy sector. Local producers will enhance their production capabilities and improve the implementation of EU food safety standards, improve the monitoring of feed quality, and improve animal husbandry conditions at sheep and goat farms. In parallel, the project will strengthen the access to veterinary medicinal products registered by the European Medicines Agency for use in beekeeping.
Eunite: SME
The project focuses on integrating Turkish Cypriot businesses into the island-wide economy and the European single market. SMEs, startups and early-stage entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to access grants in addition to training, mentoring, and business development programmes. The support aims to improve production practices and quality to meet EU standards, boost competition, increase digitalization and ensure sustainability.
Eunite: AgriBusiness
The project strengthens Turkish Cypriot agriculture and rural development by implementing an Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS)—a collaborative network that connects farmers, advisors, researchers, and businesses to drive knowledge transfer, innovation, and sustainability.
