Cyprus - Economy Agriculture Agriculture including forestry and fishing. contributes 3.8% of GDP, employs 8�/o of the workforce and is a significant earner of foreign exchange. Production has been diversified, with an emphasis on high value cash crops such avocados and kiwi fruit. to provide a quick return. Potatoes. winter vegetables and wine account for a large proportion of export receipts, with the United Kingdom as the major customer. Export markets have been found in Arab countries. Water shortages have adversely affected the agricultural sector in recent years and a number of desalination plants are under construction.