Farmers market planned for Larnaca district

Preliminary approval has been given for a farmers’ market in Ayios Theodoros which will support producers and the tourism industry in Larnaca district, the women’s rural association of Larnaca said on Friday.

The market was expected to open on the grounds of the association in Ayios Theodoros by the end of January. Following the announcement of new stricter measures by the health minister on Friday, its operation is postponed until coronavirus conditions allow.

“The operation of the farmers’ Market is very important for the district as on the one hand it will support producers and on the other hand it will give the opportunity to consumers to buy fresh products directly from the producer,” the president of the association Anna Kosma told the Cyprus News Agency.

The market has the support of the Larnaca Tourism Development and Promotion Company as an attempt to increase visits “which we believe it will be beneficial for the tourist industry of the district,” Kosma said.

Concerning the newly renovated multipurpose centre for creativity and culture, Kosma said that following a meeting with Larnaca’s mayor Andrea Vyra, five out of six rooms of the upper floor will be dedicated to craftspeople to showcase their work.

“Among others, texts about the history of the building, known as Matei house, will be showcased in another room, which will be designed as a window display,” she added.

The centre will also host numerous craft seminars, and educational programmes might be arranged in collaboration with schools, colleges, and universities.

Visitors will have access to art that belongs to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, including Lefkaritika embroidery according to Kosma.

Moreover, the traditional red clay pottery of Kornos, the weaving of baskets of Livadia and the rich lace “vines” or “pittotes” of the Athienou municipality will also be exhibited at the centre.

“The site will be directly connected to the city’s tourism industry network, which is coordinated by the Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board,” Kosma added.

The preliminary approval was obtained upon application under the Scheme 16.4 – Short Chains and Local Markets in the framework of the Rural Development Program 2014 – 2020 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.