Cypriot farmer Andreas Theophanous, a symbol of resilience in Troulloi, faced dire cancer but credits divine intervention for his recovery. He leads protests against EU policies threatening farmers, highlighting the personal toll of agricultural struggles in Cyprus.
What are the main challenges faced by Cypriot farmers like Andreas Theophanous?
Cypriot farmers are contending with several critical challenges:
– EU green policies banning essential pesticides without providing effective alternatives.
– Importation of unregulated goods from Latin America affecting competitiveness.
– Market disruption due to cheap wheat imports from Ukraine.
– Economic pressures from Brexit and local financial system issues, such as the dissolution of agricultural co-ops.
A Farmer’s Faith and Fortitude
Andreas Theophanous, a farmer from the village of Troulloi, situated near the contested buffer zone in Cyprus, has been working the land for over four decades. With his striking snow-white hair and robust beard—a symbol of mourning for his late brother—Theophanous has become an emblematic figure of Cyprus’s agricultural community. His journey with farming began at the tender age of 12 when he joined his father in tending to the family’s sheep, leading to a lifelong bond with the earth beneath his feet.
Theophanous’s tale is one of unwavering faith and resilience. A pivotal moment in his life came when, at the age of 41, he faced a dire cancer diagnosis. His condition was grave, with the disease spreading rapidly. It was then that he discovered St. Parthenios, the patron saint of cancer patients, on the radio just a day before the saint’s name day. In what Theophanous firmly believes was divine intervention, prayers to St. Parthenios resulted in a miraculous recovery. Such experiences have deeply ingrained his faith, which has not only been a source of personal strength but also a guiding force in his agricultural pursuits.
Protests and Policies: The Struggle for Cyprus’s Farmers
Despite his individual battles, Theophanous stands united with fellow Cypriot farmers against a “perfect storm” of challenges threatening their livelihood. On February 8, lines of tractors stood parked in protest outside the European Union House in Nicosia. The demonstrators were voicing their distress over the impact of the EU’s green policies, which have led to the banning of several pesticides, leaving farmers with inadequate alternatives. Added pressure comes from the plans to import unregulated goods from Latin America, Brexit’s effect on competitiveness, and the market glut caused by cheap wheat from war-torn Ukraine.
Theophanous, no stranger to activism, was among those farmers. His leadership skills, honed over years of organizing—such as forming the first association of grain producers—were on display. His vocal presence at the protest is, in his own words, a mandate from above: God’s command to “yell” and fight for their rights.
The Personal Toll of Public Policy on Farmers
The economic and regulatory pressures facing Cypriot farmers can have profound personal repercussions. For Theophanous, the hardships of his profession are all too familiar. He describes farming as akin to gambling, with the whims of weather and the market dictating the fate of their harvests. In facing such volatility, farmers like Theophanous often find solace in their faith, turning to saints and the divine for support in both health and occupational matters.
Theophanous’s devotion has translated into the creation of a shrine and church dedicated to St. Parthenios, a testament to his gratitude for the saint’s alleged intervention during his cancer battle. This sanctuary not only serves his spiritual needs but has also become a place of refuge for other cancer patients seeking solace and hope.
A Tradition on the Verge: The Future of Cyprus’s Farming
At 66 years old, Andreas Theophanous’s life reflects the perpetual challenges faced by Cypriot farmers. Despite the toils and unpredictability of his trade, he feels compelled to continue working the land due to a meager pension. His story is emblematic of broader systemic issues, such as the dissolution of the Co-op—a financial backbone for farmers in times of drought—which now fuels his anger toward what he sees as governmental inefficiency and corruption.
Theophanous is not alone in his discontent. Many Cypriot farmers are voicing concerns that if current trends continue, the traditional way of life they cherish may become extinct. Theophanous himself warns that the loss of farming in Cyprus wouldn’t just be an economic blow, but a cultural one, eroding the decency and community spirit that once thrived in rural areas.
As the tractors roll away from the protest, and Andreas returns to his fields, his story lingers—a reminder of the tenacity of Cyprus’s farmers and the delicate balance they maintain between faith, work, and survival in a rapidly changing world.
What are the main challenges faced by Cypriot farmers like Andreas Theophanous?
Cypriot farmers, including Andreas Theophanous, face challenges such as EU green policies banning essential pesticides without viable alternatives, importation of unregulated goods impacting competitiveness, market disruptions from cheap wheat imports, and economic pressures from Brexit and local financial issues like the dissolution of agricultural co-ops.
How did Andreas Theophanous’s faith play a role in his life and farming journey?
Andreas Theophanous’s faith played a significant role in his life and farming journey. After facing a dire cancer diagnosis, he credits divine intervention and prayers to St. Parthenios for his miraculous recovery. His unwavering faith has not only been a source of personal strength but also a guiding force in his agricultural pursuits.
Why did Andreas Theophanous lead protests against EU policies affecting farmers?
Andreas Theophanous led protests against EU policies that threaten farmers because of the impact of green policies banning pesticides without alternatives, the importation of unregulated goods affecting competitiveness, market disruptions from cheap wheat imports, and economic pressures from Brexit and local financial issues. He sees it as a mandate from God to fight for farmers’ rights.
What is the personal toll of public policy on farmers like Andreas Theophanous?
Public policies affecting farmers like Andreas Theophanous can have profound personal repercussions. Farmers face economic challenges and regulatory pressures that lead to volatility in their profession, akin to gambling. Many farmers, including Theophanous, turn to faith for support in health and occupational matters, creating shrines and sanctuaries for spiritual solace.
