Philenews

Lifeline for Agricultural Subsidies – Extension for State Forest Land Use

Published December 29, 2025, 05:14
Lifeline for Agricultural Subsidies – Extension for State Forest Land Use

The Council of Ministers has decided to extend the transitional period for compliance for farmers using state forest land, relieving them of the immediate need to secure a usage permit to receive subsidies. The original deadline was January 1, 2023, but now the possession of a valid permit will be required from January 1, 2026. The decision was made due to the low response rate in issuing permits. In 2023, 1,257 permits were issued out of the 1,495 available, while in 2025 the number dropped dramatically to 555. The non-renewal of permits threatened the loss of subsidies for many farmers. Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, assured that this is the last extension. Those who do not comply with the requirement to secure a permit by 2026 will be permanently excluded from subsidies. The Department of Forests will launch an awareness campaign to help farmers obtain the necessary permits. The basic requirements for issuing a permit remain the same: zero illegal activity on forest land, settlement of any debts, and submission of evidence of land cultivation. This decision aims to protect forest areas and ensure sustainable agricultural activity.