By Yiannis Adilinis
George Konstantinides established Ygea Farm two decades ago in the fertile meadows just outside Mathiatis. Today, the farm spans 300 decares, including 130 decares leased from the Land Registry for a century. The area's terroir is perfect for organic cultivation, featuring evergreen trees, olives, shoe pears, carob trees, endemic plants, and aromatic herbs. By introducing chickens, Ygea Farm has become Cyprus's largest producer of organic eggs.
Producing around 4,500 eggs daily, the farm follows a meticulous process: chicks spend 15 weeks in a rearing room before moving to laying chambers. The hens are primarily fed clover and grasses from the farm, supplemented with organic feed imported from Greece. George emphasizes the rich, dark yellow color of grass-fed eggs, a hallmark of their quality.
Orestes, George's eldest son, returned after studying biology and brings fresh ideas to the farm. They employ sustainable practices like the circular economy, using weeds for ground cover to regulate soil temperature in summer. Branches are mulched to retain moisture, while man-bird nests control rodents. They also practice permaculture, ensuring natural resource sustainability for future generations.
Beyond eggs, Ygea Farm plans to produce organic virgin olive oil and essential oils. Future plans include opening the farm to the public, promoting organic farming as a model of success.
Location: Mathiatis, Nicosia District
Contact: +357 99417 049
Website: www.ygea.farm
Ygea Farm's organic eggs are available in hypermarkets, bakeries, and select restaurants across Cyprus.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
