Cyprus
As Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the country is also gaining visibility for its pioneering role in advancing sustainable and plant-based food systems. In this context, Cyprus continues to play a unique and leading role in the global development of biocyclic vegan agriculture.
A key driver of this progress is BNS Biocyclic Network Services Ltd., based in Larnaca, which works closely with BVL Biocyclic Vegan Label Ltd., also located in Larnaca. Together, BNS and BVL coordinate the worldwide implementation of the Biocyclic Vegan Standard. Their work includes technical support, training and advisory services for producers, inspectors and agronomists, as well as the management and international development of the certification and labelling system. This strong institutional presence on the island has helped Cyprus become an important hub for knowledge exchange, capacity building and value-chain development in biocyclic vegan agriculture.
Alongside this institutional framework, Cyprus has developed a dynamic network of certified farms and strong market partnerships, making the country an increasingly relevant reference point for Europe’s plant-based food transition.
The Biocyclic Vegan Farms in Cyprus
Bio Sun – Limassol
Bio Sun is not only a biocyclic vegan producer but also the most important organic retailer in Cyprus. The company has transformed its family farmland into diversified plant-based production and plays a central role in developing the wider ecosystem. Through its distribution structures and retail activities, Bio Sun ensures reliable market access, traceability and stable demand for biocyclic vegan products across the island.
Christakis Drousiotis – Kissonerga (Paphos)
In the Paphos region, Christakis Drousiotis cultivates avocados in biodiverse mixed orchards, alongside bananas and other fruits. His farm highlights the potential of regenerative Mediterranean fruit production under changing climate conditions.
Foxystar Farm – Larnaca Region
Founded by Dr. Constantinos Constantinou, Foxystar Farm focuses in particular on pomegranate production, a flagship crop of the biocyclic vegan network in Cyprus. The farm has successfully restored degraded and stony soils and is increasingly recognised as a model for regenerative Mediterranean orchards.
Georgios Georgiou – Limnátis
Georgios Georgiou cultivates a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, grapes, figs, almonds, nectarines and olives. His farm demonstrates the economic viability of diversified plant-based farming systems for smallholders.
Pervioli – Dasaki Achnas
With many years of experience in organic farming, Costas Economidis produces a diverse range of crops, including citrus, olives, potatoes, vegetables, pomegranates and Hokkaido squash. His diversified approach strengthens resilience and regional food security.
The Strategic Role of Bio Sun and the “All Organic” Shops
A key success factor in Cyprus is the strong connection between farmers and consumers. Bio Sun has built this bridge through its “All Organic” retail shops, which are among the most influential organic outlets on the island.
By prioritising local sourcing and transparency, these shops:
- Provide a stable and trusted market for biocyclic vegan producers
- Increase visibility and consumer awareness
- Strengthen regional organic supply chains
- Support innovation and product development
This integrated model – linking production, distribution and retail – is a powerful example of how resilient, plant-based food systems can be developed at regional level.
As the European food transition accelerates, Cyprus continues to demonstrate that strong farmer networks combined with committed retail partners can drive meaningful change.
Biocyclic Vegan Network Organisations operating from Cyprus
BVL Biocyclic Vegan Label Ltd.
BVL Biocyclic Vegan Label Ltd., based in Larnaca, Cyprus, is the official label and certification body for biocyclic vegan agriculture worldwide. As a subsidiary of the Berlin-based not-for-profit company Biocyclic Vegan International (Adolf-Hoops-Gesellschaft gGmbH), it is responsible for the legal administration of the Biocyclic Vegan Quality Seal and the related rights of use. In this role, BVL ensures the integrity, credibility and transparency of the certification system.
The company coordinates inspections carried out by accredited control bodies, which conduct on-site audits of farms, processors and traders according to the Biocyclic Vegan Standard. Based on the annual inspection reports submitted by these authorised organisations, BVL evaluates compliance and grants certification to operators who meet the standard’s requirements.
From Cyprus, BVL supports the expanding international network of certified producers and market partners. Its presence reflects the island’s growing importance as a hub for the development and global recognition of biocyclic vegan agriculture.
BNS Biocyclic Network Services Ltd.
BNS Biocyclic Network Services Ltd., headquartered in Larnaca, Cyprus, is a privately owned company that provides operational services and specialised expertise to the international Biocyclic Vegan Network. Working closely with network organisations, BNS supports the practical implementation and coordination of the Biocyclic Vegan Standard.
In addition, BNS acts as a marketing and export company. It helps to promote and distribute products produced by member farms of the Panhellenic Biocyclic Vegan Network in Cyprus and Greece, facilitating their access to markets throughout Europe. In this way, BNS strengthens value chains, supports producers in building long-term partnerships and increases the visibility of biocyclic vegan products.
From its base in Cyprus, BNS connects Mediterranean producers with international markets and contributes to the further growth of the global Biocyclic Vegan Network.
An Inspiring Bicommunal Seminar in Nicosia (2022)
Sowing Seeds of Peace: Biocyclic Vegan Agriculture in Cyprus
In December 2022, an inspiring bicommunal scientific meeting in Nicosia brought together Turkish and Greek Cypriot farmers, scientists and civil society representatives. Held at the Home for Cooperation in the UN buffer zone – a symbolic place in the divided capital of Cyprus – the event created a rare and meaningful space for dialogue across political and historical boundaries. On an island shaped by decades of separation, participants came together around a shared vision: a sustainable future rooted in cooperation, environmental responsibility and food sovereignty.
At the heart of the discussions was biocyclic vegan agriculture, an approach that combines organic farming with a fully plant-based, stock-free system. Speakers explored how this method can support Cyprus in addressing key challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, climate change and dependence on imported feed and inputs. Mediterranean crops including olives, carob, citrus fruits and avocados were highlighted as promising pathways for resilient local production and new regional value chains that benefit both communities.
The meeting demonstrated that working together on the land can help overcome barriers and rebuild trust. Participants emphasised that agriculture has always been deeply connected to Cypriot identity and culture, making it a powerful starting point for dialogue and reconciliation. The strong interest in future cooperation, training and knowledge exchange reflected a shared hope that sustainable farming can contribute not only to environmental regeneration and rural development, but also to long-term peace on the island.
More than a scientific gathering, the event became a symbol of what is possible when people focus on common goals. By caring for the earth, participants showed, it is also possible to cultivate understanding, resilience and a sense of shared responsibility for the future of Cyprus.
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