Base de Datos de Proyectos de PDR

EAFRD support for investment in new livestock housing, milking machinery and manure management equipment have enhanced productivity and ensured the viability of a family farm in Cyprus in line with EU environment and animal welfare standards.

Low productivity, outdated technology and poor livestock housing - coupled with rising production costs and increasing competition from imported dairy products - provoked the Vassilis family in Cyprus to reconsider their farm business model. They concluded that the best way to ensure a sustainable future for the family business was to invest in a significant modernisation of their farm.

The main objective of the project was to enhance productivity and profitability through a package of investments which would: 1) improve productivity and general working conditions; 2) improve animal welfare through better quality livestock housing; 3) increase productivity through the introduction of automated technology for milking the cows, and; 4) reduce the risk of environmental pollution through improved manure management.

The main activities included: a) preparing a detailed project plan for all construction and installation work; b) design and building of a dedicated new and larger building for the dairy cows; c) sourcing and installation of robotic milking equipment, and; d) sourcing and installing a 'manure separator' for easing manure management whereby the water is extracted and the remaining solid fraction is much easier to store.

The project has resulted in: i) dramatically increased productivity and significantly increased turnover and farm income; ii) a reduction in labour costs of 50% due to the introduction of automated milking; iii) a consistent improvement in milk quality; iv) significant reductions in the risk of localised water pollution from liquid manure, and; v) improved welfare of the dairy cows and youngstock due to the new livestock housing.

Key lessons from this project include the need for timely and detailed planning, combined with the well-considered choices regarding investments. As the farmer, Mr Vassilis, explains: “When we thought about changing the farm to improve long-term productivity, we realised that must avoid just 'filling the gaps'. For instance, this meant investing in a new more comfortable cowshed, rather than the improvement of our existing inadequate one".

Kypros / Kibris

Cyprus

1 000 000

500 000

Nikos Vassilis

knfarma@cytanet.com.cy

+357 996 17513, fax +357 247 21875

Greek