A new bridge loan scheme allowing farmers to access funding before receiving grants under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will be introduced this year, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said on Thursday. To access the scheme, farmers will first need to obtain approval for the relevant subsidy. Association of Cyprus Banks director general Marios Skandalis described the cooperation with the agriculture ministry as an “essential step” in the support of the primary sector. According to the Association of Banks, interested farmers will be able to directly contact the banks participating in the financing scheme, which will include a preliminary check on the creditworthiness of the applicants. “The support of the rural world is a timeless commitment of the Bank of Cyprus, which recognises the contribution of farmers, farmers and producers to the economy, food sufficiency, regional development and the preservation of life in local communities,” he said.