Cyprus Times

Law Proposal Bans Photovoltaics on Agricultural Land Except for Agro-Livestock Sector

Published March 26, 2026, 20:09
Law Proposal Bans Photovoltaics on Agricultural Land Except for Agro-Livestock Sector

The Cypriot House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill prohibiting the installation of photovoltaic systems on agricultural land for commercial purposes. This legislation aims to protect high-value agricultural land, such as fertile, irrigated, or land located in special protection areas, from being repurposed for energy production. However, the installation of photovoltaic systems serving the needs of the agricultural and livestock sector is permitted. During the discussion and voting on the bill, amendments were made following agreement among all parties. The term "productive" was removed from the description of agricultural land, and a proposal for the proper management of surplus energy, with fair compensation for citizens, was added. These amendments aim to clarify and more accurately target the legislation. The bill, submitted by MPs from AKEL-Left-New Forces, emerged after suggestions, concerns, and anxieties from stakeholders and government agencies. The mapping of land with high natural value will be carried out by the Department of Environment, while fertile and permanently irrigated land will be designated as such by the Department of Agriculture. The proponent of the bill, Yannakis Gavriel, emphasized that the legislation aims to regulate the uncontrolled use of fertile agricultural land and protect the primary sector. He confirmed that there are no restrictions on self-production of energy by farmers and livestock breeders. Christos Orphanides of DIKO supported that the proposal is in the right direction to impose proper restrictions on the installation of photovoltaic systems.