Greek farmers warn of new protests after talks with government fail
Negotiations between Greek farmer representatives and government officials ended without an agreement on October 20, as producers continued to demand relief from rising costs, delayed agricultural payments and compensation-related concerns. Farmers warned that protests could intensify before the end of the year if their demands remain unmet.
Talks between Greek farmer representatives and government officials ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday, October 20, raising the prospect of renewed agricultural protests across the country.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, brought together representatives from Thessaly, Northern Greece and Central Greece to discuss mounting financial pressures on the agricultural sector.
The government delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Rural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Schinas, and George Pitsilis, head of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). The meeting was part of a government initiative aimed at strengthening dialogue with agricultural producers.
FARMERS SAY PROPOSED MEASURES ARE INSUFFICIENT
Rising production costs, delays in agricultural support payments, cash-flow difficulties and problems associated with the implementation of the new OSDE agricultural declaration system were among the main issues discussed.
However, the two sides failed to reach an agreement. Farmer representatives argued that the government’s proposals and existing support measures were insufficient to address the sector’s financial difficulties.
The only specific commitment announced at the meeting was that an advance payment of the basic agricultural support would be made on November 30. Officials did not clarify how many farmers would benefit from the payment.
NEW PROTESTS POSSIBLE BEFORE YEAR-END
Farmer representatives warned that they could launch new protests before the end of the year or expand existing mobilisations if their demands were not met.
Ilias Angelakoudis, president of the Kumçiftliği Farmers’ Association, said further agricultural protests would be unavoidable unless the government announced financial support measures capable of offsetting rising production costs.
Angelakoudis added that decisions on future action would be taken at local farmers’ meetings and discussions involving representatives from across Greece.
GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES AGRICULTURAL PRESSURES
Agricultural Development and Food Minister Margaritis Schinas acknowledged the severity of the problems facing farmers, pointing to the climate and energy crises as factors that had further intensified the sector’s difficulties.
He said farmers’ demands were being considered, but representatives remained unconvinced that dialogue alone would resolve the crisis without concrete financial commitments.
Whether the government will announce additional support measures—and whether farmers will proceed with nationwide protests—remains uncertain.
