Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

46 of phosphorus per hectare of utilised agricultural area in Cyprus, whereas the EU equivalent is 44.1 kg of nitrogen and 0.8 kg of phosphorus. It is very apparent that the policy of Cyprus needs to be greatly refined in order for the country to protect its valuable natural assets. Similarly, the indicators showing the impact of agricultural production on the environment place Cyprus among the last countries within the EU. Specifically, in Cyprus we observe 51.3 kg (20 kg – EU) of ammonia per hectare of utilised agricultural area, 42.1 mg (23 mg – EU) of nitrate per litre and 6.5% (5.3% – EU) of (estimated) soil erosion by water. A silver lining which can be noted here is the fact that Cyprus ranks 7 th among EU countries in Government support to agriculture research and development. The Cyprus Government spent €6.6 per inhabitant relative to the EU average of €6.5 (see Figure 11). This relatively high R&D expenditure is expected to ameliorate the position of Cyprus in the promotion of sustainable agricultural production. In addition, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) drives Cyprus towards sustainable food production, sustainable farm management and environmentally and climate-friendly practices and methods. NARRATIVE Cyprus ranks in the lowest positions among EU countries in relation to sustainable agriculture. It is severely affected by climate change, putting at risk both the safety and adequacy of domestically produced food and livestock production. Rising temperatures, declining rainfall and extreme weather events are the main threats faced by farming today. In addition, the lack of irrigation water and new diseases exert destructive pressures on agricultural development, while intensive cultivation results in the substantial degradation of agricultural land, posing a threat on biodiversity. In general, Cyprus’ agriculture sector is characterised by low productivity, increased fragmentation, an aging population of farmers, and a limited use of technology. Obesity is a growing concern for children and adolescents due to unhealthy habits. One in seven adults (about 14 %) were obese in 2017 –a share similar to the EU average. Very high overweight and obesity levels among Cypriot children are much more concerning, with data showing that among six- to nine-year old children, about 20% were obese in 2015-17, and 43% were obese or overweight (these figures apply to both boys and girls) (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2018). A scheme is in place in an effort to encourage healthy eating habits. The main objectives of the school scheme is to encourage fruit, vegetables, and fresh milk consumption instead of the consumption of industrialised products, to strengthen the knowledge of children on fruit, vegetables, and fresh milk products, in the short- and long-term period and to contribute to a proper diet for the benefit of the health of the residents of Cyprus. ANALYSIS Cyprus faces substantial challenges in the promotion of sustainable agricultural production. The country ranks in the lowest positions among EU countries in almost all the relevant indicators. In particular, the harmonised risk indicator for pesticides in Cyprus was 134, whereas in the EU it was 83, maintaining a low level all along (see Figure 10). Another worrying finding is that Cyprus ranks last among EU countries in the indicators measuring nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural land, causing surface and groundwater pollution. In particular, there are a 194 kg of nitrogen and 32 kg 134.0 83.0 50 70 90 110 130 150 Cyprus EU index, average for 2011 2013 = 100 - Figure 10.: Harmonised risk indicator for pesticides, for all groups of active substances Figure 11.: Government support to agricultural research and development 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.4 6.6 6.8 Cyprus EU Euro per inhabitant