Organic farming increased 173 per cent since 2010

Organic crops and livestock in Cyprus have recorded a huge growth in 2020 compared to 10 years ago, according to the results of the census of agricultural and livestock holdings published by the statistical service on Wednesday.

The total area of organic crops in 2020 increased to 54.65 square kilometres from almost 20 square kilometres in 2010, registering an increase of 173.4 per cent.

Organic livestock also increased in that decade as the total number of farms and livestock holdings using organic farming and rearing methods tripled, reaching 1,250 farms in 2020 from 364 in 2010.

In 2020, some 578 cattle, 5,091 sheep and goats and 35,873 poultry were raised per the organic livestock requirements compared to 4,221 sheep and goats and 1,094 poultry in 2010.

Overall, more animals were raised in agriculture in the ten tears leading to 2020 than before, with the exception of rabbits, recording a 23.3 per cent decrease as well as goats and pigs which recorded a small increase of 3.6 and 2.1 per cent respectively.

Bee hives saw the largest increase, rising by almost 87 per cent in that period, while poultry and bovine farming increased by more than 55 per cent. Sheep farming also grew by 22.6 per cent.

The situation slightly differs with crops. The largest drop was seen in cereals with about 16 per cent, following by vineyards with 13 per cent, citrus trees with 9 per cent and potatoes with about 3 per cent. Olive plantations increased by 3.6 per cent

A lot more crops have been grown in kitchen gardens which recorded a near 300 per cent increase, while more greenhouses, permanent grassland and temporary outdoor areas were used in 2020. Permanent outdoor corps experienced a small decrease that year compared with a decade earlier.

Despite this, the used agricultural land was about the same between the two censuses, as the data showed that while fewer farms existed three years ago, those used a lot more land compared with 2010.

The total agricultural area declared in 2020 was slightly more than in 2010. However, about the same percentage was abandoned or uncultivated land. Meanwhile, the average used agricultural area per farm increased by almost 30 per cent in 2020 compered with 2010.

According to the statistical service data, the total number of holdings recorded in the 2020 census, at 34,046, showed a 12.4 per cent decrease compared to the previous 2010 census. The municipalities with the largest used agricultural area were Athienou, Aradippou, Paliometocho and Avgorou each with more 20 square kilometres.

And slightly more than half of the holders and household members said agriculture or livestock farming were their main or only occupation in 2020. But employment in the sector recorded a slight decrease led by the drop in holders and family members employed. Permanent employees however, increased by almost 40 per cent in 2020, while seasonal workers by 8.7 per cent.

A lot more men than women accounted for holders or managers of farms, rising to about 79 per cent in 2020 compared with 74 per cent ten years before. The share of women holders or managers was reduced to 21.2 per cent in 2020 from 26.4 per cent in 2010.

Meanwhile their average age remained the same at 63 years. More than half of holding managers were aged between 55 and 74, while only 2.5 per cent were under 35 years.