Milk and meat under AADE’s electronic microscope
Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue is moving toward tighter electronic monitoring of milk and meat, aiming to strengthen traceability and curb cases in which imported raw materials enter the market with Greek labeling.
The proposed system would create a continuous electronic record covering production, transport, processing and the distribution of finished products.
Focus on milk
According to Christos Tsopanos, former deputy president of the Hellenic Livestock Farmers Association and a board member of the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, the issue was discussed at a recent meeting with AADE.
The electronic delivery note and the “Artemis 2” system are expected to play a central role in the new mechanism.
The aim is to electronically cross-check the quantity of milk received by each processing facility against the quantities of finished products it produces and places on the market.
The system would rely on electronic documents and codes to track the movement of raw materials and verify their correspondence with finished products.
According to Tsopanos, the objective is to clearly establish the origin of milk, distinguishing Greek milk from imported supplies.
Similar controls for meat
A similar tracking model is also being considered for the meat market, with particular emphasis on the origin of products reaching retailers.
According to figures cited by Tsopanos, around 85% of meat consumed in Greece is imported, making controls over the origin and labeling of products particularly important.
AADE has reportedly set a 40-day timetable for finalizing the form used to declare the required information, with the aim of having it ready by Christmas.
Pressure on sheep milk production
The tighter controls come as domestic sheep milk production is declining while demand remains strong.
Production during the first seven months of the year stood at 540,000 tons, according to Tsopanos, down from 580,000 tons during the same period last year.
The reduced supply has also pushed up producer prices, with sheep milk reaching about €1.90 per kilogram.
The increase is raising production costs for feta, as sheep milk is a key raw material. If producer prices remain at current levels, feta could reach €15-16 per kilogram even at wholesale level, compared with about €12-13 currently, according to estimates cited by Tsopanos.
Higher prices are already affecting demand, with some consumers turning to cheaper white cheeses.
Rebuilding herds will take time
Restoring domestic production capacity cannot happen immediately. Rebuilding livestock herds takes time, either by retaining more lambs or importing animals.
The choice of breeds is also important, particularly given the characteristics required for milk used in feta production.
Animal diseases remain another major concern. Tsopanos said vaccination could create issues for the status of feta, highlighting the importance of prevention, monitoring and effective control measures.
Food industry faces changes after 2029
Looking ahead, Tsopanos expects major changes in the food industry after 2029.
He said most of the investments currently under way in the sector are expected to have been completed by then, potentially creating new conditions for competition and production capacity.
Source:AMNA
