Emergency allowance for veterinarians and debts settlement for 20,000 farmers

The Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, announced that a legislative amendment will be introduced to grant an emergency allowance to veterinarians for their role in successfully combating small ruminant plague and sheep pox. The announcement was made during his address at the third session of the Production and Trade Committee, which is reviewing the bill titled:"Interprofessional Organizations, Strengthening the Agricultural Sector, Organization of Services and Supervised Bodies of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and Restarting the Agricultural Economy."

Debt Relief for Farmers
The same amendment will also regulate issues related to ELGA (Greek Agricultural Insurance Organization). Minister Tsiaras emphasized that this bill aims to resolve outstanding issues and provide solutions to long-standing agricultural problems.

Regarding non-performing loans ("red loans"), Tsiaras clarified:
"Currently, under the law, the special liquidator cannot approve debt write-offs or capital reductions. However, the regular liquidator has this authority, which is why this intervention is necessary."

This measure will affect over 20,000 farmers, offering a second chance to borrowers facing financial hardship.

Other Key Provisions

• Public Property Utilization: Tsiaras stressed the need to better manage the Ministry’s real estate assets, which have remained underutilized for years.
• Animal Disposal Regulations: A new provision will close loopholes in existing legislation, clearly defining responsibility for the sanitary burial of animals.
• Interprofessional Organizations: The Minister assured that concerns raised by agricultural bodies will be reviewed, and necessary improvements will be made.

The bill was approved in principle by the committee.