Exploring the achievements and challenges of organic farming in Cyprus.

European Journalists Visit Ygea Farm to Explore Organic Farming and Ecological Restoration in Cyprus.

This media coverage followed a visit by a group of Cypriot and European journalists participating in a special information tour supported by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), exploring the achievements and challenges of organic farming in Cyprus.

Ygea Farm recently welcomed journalists from across Europe as part of a media information tour examining the future of sustainable and organic agriculture in Cyprus.

During the visit, reporters met with our founder, Giorgos Konstantinidis, his son Orestis, and the wider Ygea Farm team to learn more about our approach to organic farming, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food production.

The visit resulted in coverage by respected international media organisations, highlighting Ygea Farm as an example of how agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration can work together to create a more sustainable future.

We are grateful to the visiting journalists, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the media organisations involved for taking an interest in our work and helping share the story of sustainable farming in Cyprus with a wider European audience.

European Interest in Sustainable Farming

The journalists visited Cyprus to explore innovative agricultural practices addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing farming today, including climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and the need for more sustainable food systems.

Among the farms selected for the programme, Ygea Farm attracted particular interest for its holistic approach, combining organic egg production, olive cultivation, habitat restoration, tree planting, and biodiversity enhancement within a single integrated ecosystem.

BusinessDaily Greece Highlights Farming “In Harmony with Nature”

One of the publications covering the visit was BusinessDaily.gr, a respected Greek business and economic news publication known for its in-depth reporting and analysis of economic, business, and sustainability issues.

In its article, “Cyprus: Sustainable Agriculture with an Emphasis on Quality and Biodiversity”, BusinessDaily described Ygea Farm as a place that “resembles more a natural ecosystem than a conventional farm.”

The publication highlighted our free-range organic egg production, our diverse landscape of olive groves, carob, cypress and fig trees, and our commitment to farming without chemical fertilisers or pesticides. The article highlighted our philosophy that:

“Nature is in control. Nature can live without us. But we cannot live without nature.”

BusinessDaily further highlighted our ecological restoration efforts, including annual tree planting and the preservation of wild vegetation to improve soil health and moisture retention, while also attracting biodiversity and wildlife.

The publication noted Ygea’s production of organic extra virgin olive oil from approximately 2,000 olive trees, including some ancient trees believed to be up to 700 years old.

Perhaps most importantly, the article recognised our commitment to future generations through ongoing reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects designed to leave the land in a better condition than we found it.

Bulgarian National Radio Explores the Family Story Behind Ygea Farm

The second major feature came from Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), Bulgaria’s national public broadcaster and a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

BNR’s article, titled “Cypriot Farmer Giorgos Konstantinidis: We Are Servants of Nature!”, took a more personal look at the people behind our farm and the values that drive our work.

The article explored our family’s long connection with agriculture, including the hardships experienced following the events of 1974, when we lost land and property in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Speaking to BNR, Giorgos shared the deeply personal motivation behind his commitment to restoring the land:

“We are servants of nature. Nature and Mother Earth are my God,” he said. “Nature can live without us, we can’t live without nature.”

The broadcaster also highlighted our environmental practices, including organic egg production, organic olive oil cultivation, aromatic herb production, permaculture principles, and our commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

Journalists observed the rich wildlife present throughout our farm, including birds, reptiles, pollinators, and many other species that thrive within a healthy and restored landscape.

The Next Generation

An important aspect of the visit was the opportunity to introduce the next generation of Ygea Farm.

BNR spoke extensively with Orestis Konstantinidis, who returned to Cyprus after completing his Biology degree in the Netherlands to help develop and expand the family farm.

Orestis discussed his vision for the future, including new projects involving essential oils, ecological land management, agritourism, educational visits, and outdoor sporting events that connect people more closely with nature and agriculture.

His decision to return to the farm reflects Ygea Farm’s long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and ensuring that knowledge, values, traditions, and stewardship are passed from one generation to the next.

Recognition of a Different Farming Model

Both publications recognised Ygea Farm as part of a growing movement towards a different model of agricultural development – one that places equal importance on food production, environmental protection, biodiversity, and community.

Their reporting highlighted how organic farming can contribute not only to healthier food, but also to healthier ecosystems, stronger rural economies, and a more sustainable future.

We look forward to continuing our work in organic farming, ecological restoration, and biodiversity conservation, and to sharing our journey with visitors, customers, and future generations.

Photos: © European Union 2026 – photographer: Cornelia Smet

View the Original Articles:

BusinessDaily (Greece) - “Cyprus: Sustainable Agriculture with an Emphasis on Quality and Biodiversity”

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) - “Cypriot Farmer Giorgos Konstantinidis: We Are Servants of Nature!”