Mass withdrawals from organic beekeeping and livestock farming amid fear of government inspections
Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras has revealed a significant number of withdrawals from organic beekeeping and organic livestock farming programs, amid ongoing inspections by authorities.
Speaking on ERT’s morning program “Syndeseis”, Tsiaras stated that many producers enrolled in organic production subsidy schemes are attempting to evade inspections. “Once the audits begin, many simply disappear,” he said, describing the situation as a major issue.
He emphasized that extensive inspections are currently being carried out by ELGO-DIMITRA and the competent departments of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, targeting organic subsidies and eco-schemes.
Tsiaras noted that, due to widespread irregularities, he made the decision to suspend all payments related to organic beekeeping and livestock farming until full compliance can be confirmed. “No payments will be made unless we are certain the funds go to those who are truly eligible,” he stressed.
OPEKEPE Under Financial Police Scrutiny
The minister also addressed the presence of the Financial Police at OPEKEPE (Greek Agricultural Payments Organization), noting that they had been gathering data for three weeks. As a result, scheduled payments due at the end of June were delayed.
The first payment was finally processed last Friday, and Tsiaras expressed optimism that a wave of significant payments will resume in the coming period.
