Dutch royals visit potato fields in Cyprus, highlight agricultural ties

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima toured a Cypriot potato field and a production facility Tuesday while visiting the Mediterranean island nation. The visit featured a long tour of the farm and facility in Xylophagou and Liopetri, respectively, in the island´s renowned potato-growing region.

Potatoes are Cyprus´ third-biggest agricultural export and Cyprus imports about three quarters of all its potato seeds from the Netherlands, according to Cypriot Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. Cypriot potato exports to the Netherlands are modest, amounting in the first half of last year at around 200,000 kilograms (441,000 pounds) at a value of USD 250,000 (USD 263,500).

King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands, right, and Queen Maxima, walk in a potato field during their visit in Xylophagou village, Cyprus, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Courtesy: Associated Press).

But Panayiotou said spuds are hopefully the start of a more-in-depth relationship with the Netherlands in the agricultural sector, particularly how Cyprus can glean specialized know-how from Dutch experts on advanced technology including smart irrigation systems. That´s important for often drought-hit Cyprus which is increasingly relying on desalination plants to meet its water demands. Panayiotou said she´ll visit the Netherlands in June to work out a roadmap on transferring that Dutch agricultural know-how to Cyprus. The royal couple complete their two-day visit on Wednesday. 

Queen Maxima, center, of the Netherlands shakes hands with a potato farmer Andreas Ttofallis during a visit at a potato field in Xylophagou village, Cyprus, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.