Access to food security knowledge

CUT provides free access to knowledge, skills, and technologies that enhance food security and the sustainability of agriculture and aquaculture. The University collaborates with farmers, food producers, and policymakers through workshops, research projects, and open-access platforms, ensuring the transfer of research outcomes into practice and contributing to resilient and sustainable food systems.

Free access initiatives

  • PRIMESOFT: International Workshop on Soft-Shelled Nuts (November 2024)
    As part of the European project PRIMESOFT (www.prime-soft.eu), CUT organised an international workshop focusing on challenges in soft fruit cultivation (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry). The event brought together more than 80 participants from academia, research institutions, and private companies, strengthening collaboration between scientific research and practical farming applications.
    More info can be found here.
  • GOOD Project Information Workshop (October 2024)
    Within the Horizon Europe-funded GOOD Project, CUT hosted a national workshop on agroecological weed management, promoting knowledge co-creation and capacity building among Cypriot farmers, and supporting the adoption of sustainable agroecological practices. More info can be found here.
  • AgroLIFE Project- Featured on CyBC “Home in Nature” (LIFE13 BIO/CY/001114)
    CUT coordinated the AgroLIFE project, implemented with the participation of national partners and local authorities. The project applied environmentally friendly crop-protection measures and was featured on the national television programme Home in Nature, promoting sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural methods that benefit both farmers and food production systems. More info can be found here.
  • NATURA Platform- Discovery of Novel Bioactive Compounds (March 2024)
    CUT developed the NATURA Platform to advance research on bioactive compounds derived from native Cypriot plants, focusing on the discovery of novel antidiabetic and antimicrobial agents. The project established advanced analytical and biotechnological methods for identifying and characterising these compounds, with potential applications in food safety, sustainable agriculture, and health-related innovation. It also resulted in the creation of a dedicated open-access database and a compound library, designed to facilitate long-term knowledge transfer and support future interdisciplinary research and industrial applications. More info can be found here.
  • Indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed Research (2024)
    CUT conducted a comprehensive study on the indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed (Bos taurus indicus), an endangered cattle breed recognised by the FAO as part of Cyprus’s agricultural heritage. The research was carried out through extensive field surveys and close collaboration with 18 farmers, representing 43% of the total breed population across the island. It systematically documented zootechnical characteristics, management and feeding practices, and the breed’s exceptional adaptability to Cyprus’s hot, semi-arid climate and low-quality forages.
    The findings underscored the breed’s value as a model for sustainable, low-input livestock production systems,highlighting its role in enhancing agricultural biodiversity, climate resilience, and the long-term viability of rural farming communities. More info can be found here.
  • Phylogenetic Characterisation of Indigenous Cyprus Cattle (2024)
    CUT implemented the Phylogenetic Characterisation of Indigenous Cyprus Cattle project to support the conservation and sustainable use of the native Cyprus Bovine Breed. The initiative engaged 30 farmers, policymakers, and local stakeholders, collecting genetic data and establishing a biobank covering 10% of the breed’s population. It produced a national allele database and optimised genetic protocols, enhancing knowledge transfer and supporting evidence-based decision-making for breed conservation. The findings informed national agricultural policy, leading to increased subsidies for rare breeds and contributing to biodiversity preservation and sustainable livestock management in Cyprus. More info can be found here.
  • Scientific Consultation to the Ministry of Agriculture (2024)
    CUT provided expert scientific consultation to the Ministry of Agriculture and local cattle producers regarding the phenotypic characteristics of the indigenous Cyprus Bovine Breed. The analysis confirmed that observed physical variations within the population, such as red tail colouring, are expressions of natural genetic polymorphism rather than indicators of crossbreeding. This clarification was crucial, as it demonstrated that culling animals with such traits would endanger the survival of this already rare and endangered breed. The University’s findings informed evidence-based policy decisions on breed management and conservation, helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and genetic integrity of Cyprus’s native livestock resources. More info can be found here.
  • World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS 2024, Wenzhou, China)
    CUT participated in the World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS 2024), organised by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and held in Wenzhou, China, from 15–17 November 2024. The summit, themed “Converging the World’s Talents, Creating a Better Future” and focusing on “Youth Innovation: Fostering New Quality Productive Forces,”convened over 6,000 participants and 300 international delegates. CUT contributed to global discussions on sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental resilience, representing Cyprus within the PANDA International Research Network. Participation in the summit strengthened international cooperation and knowledge exchange on innovative and sustainable food production systems, reinforcing CUT’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and global scientific engagement. More info can be found here.

Paid access initiatives

All initiatives and workshops organised by CUT to provide access to food security and sustainable agriculture knowledge are offered free of charge, ensuring open and equitable participation by farmers, producers, and stakeholders. In certain cases, CUT may contribute as a scientific partner or invited expert in industry-led or externally organised events, where any participation fees are determined by the external organisers and not by the University itself.

Through these initiatives, CUT ensures that farmers, food producers, and local communities have access to cutting-edge knowledge, skills, and technologies that directly contribute to improved food security, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based policymaking. These efforts strengthen community resilience and reflect the University’s strong institutional commitment to advancing food security, sustainability, and responsible innovation in Cyprus and beyond.