NICOSIA, Cyprus — King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands embarked on an exploration of Cyprus’s agricultural sector on Tuesday, visiting a potato farm and a production plant on the Mediterranean island. Their tour took them through the areas of Xylophagou and Liopetri, which are part of the island’s well-regarded potato-growing regions.
Cyprus’s potato exports represent the nation’s third largest agricultural export. Interestingly, the country relies on the Netherlands for approximately 75% of its potato seeds, highlighted by Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. While exports from Cyprus to the Netherlands remain moderate—totaling around 200,000 kilograms (or 441,000 pounds) valued at 250,000 euros ($263,500) in the first half of the previous year—the potential for enhanced collaboration is evident.
Minister Panayiotou expressed aspirations that this agricultural connection, symbolized by the humble potato, will pave the way for deeper ties between Cyprus and the Netherlands. She emphasizes the strategic advantage Cyprus could gain by adopting Dutch expertise, especially in advanced agricultural technologies such as smart irrigation systems. This knowledge is crucial for Cyprus, which frequently faces droughts and has increasingly depended on desalination plants to secure its water resources.
To facilitate the transfer of this valuable knowledge, Panayiotou plans to travel to the Netherlands in June. The objective of her visit will be to devise a framework that leverages Dutch agricultural innovation for the benefit of Cyprus. The Dutch royal couple is set to conclude their two-day visit to the island nation on Wednesday.
