Newsroom
The Dutch royal couple's visit to Cyprus this week may have sparked varied reactions, but their tour of potato plantations in Xylofagou and a packing plant in Liopetri was far from a coincidence.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima’s visit underscored the deep-rooted agricultural ties between Cyprus and the Netherlands, especially in the potato trade — a sector vital to both countries.
Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou said the visit highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two nations. “Our relations and cooperation with the Netherlands are very important, especially for us, as potatoes are the third most important agricultural product we export,” she said.
The Netherlands supplies 76% of Cyprus’ certified potato seed, while Cyprus exports several hundred thousand kilos of potatoes to the country every year. In the first half of 2024 alone, Cyprus sent more than 200,000 kilos of potatoes to the Netherlands, worth over €250,000.
The minister revealed that a roadmap for agricultural cooperation between the two countries is already in the works. “In June, we will travel to the Netherlands along with young farmers and ministry officials to define the next steps for cooperation and the transfer of this necessary knowledge to Cyprus,” she said.
During their visit to the Liopetri packing plant, the royal couple met with experts from both countries and young farmers to discuss agricultural practices. According to plant owner Socrates Pilavakis, the monarchs showed a keen interest in issues affecting farmers, including water shortages, plant diseases, and innovative irrigation and spraying methods.
“I was surprised by how well-informed they were. They knew exactly what to ask and wanted to know if we apply the same innovative methods here as they do in the Netherlands,” Pilavakis said.
The visit is seen as a positive step toward strengthening agricultural ties and sharing knowledge between the two nations — something both sides hope will help Cypriot farmers adopt more sustainable and efficient farming practices in the years to come.
