- Cyprus imports 75% of potato seeds from Dutch suppliers
- 200k kg of Cypriot potatoes exported to Netherlands in 2023
- Joint roadmap for smart irrigation tech to combat drought
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima concluded their two-day Cyprus visit with a detailed inspection of potato farming infrastructure in Xylophagou. The Mediterranean nation relies heavily on Dutch agricultural expertise, particularly for high-yield seed varieties that thrive in Cyprus’ arid climate.
Cyprus exported €250k worth of potatoes to the Netherlands during the first half of 2023, while simultaneously importing three-quarters of its seed stock from Dutch producers. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou emphasized this trade imbalance presents opportunities for deeper technological collaboration rather than competition.
Industry analysts note Dutch-developed smart irrigation systems could reduce Cyprus’ agricultural water consumption by 30-40% – critical for a country where 60% of freshwater supplies now come from desalination plants. The proposed knowledge transfer aligns with EU sustainability targets for Mediterranean farming practices.
A regional case study in Liopetri demonstrates how Dutch greenhouse technologies have already increased potato yields by 22% since 2020. The royal visit highlighted plans to expand these methods across Cyprus’ 8,500-hectare potato cultivation zone, particularly in drought-prone eastern regions.
Minister Panayiotou’s upcoming June visit to the Netherlands will focus on creating certification programs for seed quality control and establishing demonstration farms showcasing vertical farming techniques. These initiatives aim to position Cyprus as a bridge for agricultural innovation between Europe and Middle Eastern markets.
