The new and final planting season for the European project LIFE-AgrOassis began successfully in Mazotos area on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with the participation of 13 volunteers from Sassy Events DMC.

The planting efforts are under the auspices of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, Mrs. Antonia Theodosiou.

Among its initiatives, the LIFE-AgrOassis project promotes the reintroduction of traditional hedgerows around agricultural fields using deep-rooted plants. These plants are grown in special Deep Root Growth Tubes at the Forestry Department, under the scientific guidance of KES Research Centre. This innovative method, developed in the USA and being tested for the first time in Europe, reduces irrigation needs and enhances drought resistance in plants.

As part of this effort, from 2023 to 2025, more than 7,000 trees and shrubs were planted along the boundaries of fields degraded by desertification. This year, even more deep-rooted trees and shrubs will be planted in November and December with the help of approximately 300 volunteers.

The LIFE-AgrOassis project, involving partners from Cyprus, Thessaly, and Crete, is co-funded by the European Union and aims to support agriculture in areas at risk of desertification due to climate change.

Project partners include: the Ministry of Agriculture (led by the Agricultural Research Institute with the participation of the Environment, Agriculture, and Forestry Departments), the Open University of Cyprus, KES Research Center, the Union of Cypriot Farmers (EKA), the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, the University of Thessaly, the Municipality of Sitia, Paradisiotis Company, TOEV Tavropou, and the Laona Foundation.