The TUI Field to Fork Cyprus project (August 2024–July 2026), led by the Cyprus Environment Foundation with partners KES College, Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation (CSIF), Tourythm, Valerga, and funded by TUI Care Foundation, responds to Cyprus’s urgent need to shift toward regenerative agriculture (RA). This model sequesters carbon, restores biodiversity, improves soil health, and supports resilient agriculture.
The Challenge
Cyprus faces serious threats due to climate change and intensive farming: soil erosion, reduction in ecosystem functionality, and low levels of organic farming—only 6.3% in 2021, far below EU targets. Meanwhile, tourist demand is heavily dependent on imported organic produce, increasing costs and carbon footprints. With over 3 million annual visitors, the hospitality sector has a key role in supporting local regenerative farming.
Project Focus & Actions
TUI Field to Fork Cyprus implements three core strategies:
- Farmer Training & Educational Support
– Offers open RA training sessions (12 total) and scholarships through KES College (18 full scholarships, including people with disabilities). - Farm-to-Hospitality Partnerships
– Connects regenerative farmers with hotels to co-create authentic tourist experiences and build market access for local produce . - Social Inclusion
– Empowers vulnerable groups via scholarship and vocational training in regenerative farming through CSIF .
Solving with Regenerative Practices
The initiative supports planting cover crops, reduced tillage, mulching, agroecosystem diversification, and holistic grazing—all techniques aimed at building healthier, more productive land and reducing climate impacts.
Progress & Outcomes
- Training center established at CSIF with permaculture principles.
- Livelihood impact: ~51 ha placed under RA management.
- Community reach: 12 open training sessions, 80+ farmers in first event, total of 92 participants.
- Hospitality integration: Over 2,500 hotel guests engaged via farm tours and cooking workshops using RA-sourced ingredients.
The March 2025 launch event gathered over 40 stakeholders, including government, media, and industry, affirming collaboration across sectors.
Broader Impact
- Supports EU organic farming goals – boosting Cyprus from 6% toward 13% RA land by 2030.
- Models a pilot for regenerative farming in Mediterranean climates.
- Enhances tourist experience through sustainable, local food narratives.
- Ensures social inclusion by engaging people with disabilities and marginalized communities.
In Summary
TUI Field to Fork Cyprus is transforming Cyprus’s agricultural and tourism landscapes by integrating regenerative agriculture into the tourist value chain. Through practical training, inclusive partnerships, and community engagement, the project sets a replicable model for Mediterranean sustainable tourism—nurturing healthier land, empowered farmers, and enriched visitor experiences.