New Left calls for immediate action to address egg production fraud and unfair competition
The New Left party has submitted a parliamentary question calling for immediate action to combat the phenomena of "Greekification" and unfair competition within the egg production and marketing sector. Hussein Zeybek, a member of parliament from Xanthi and the party's spokesperson on agricultural affairs, along with Merope Tzoufi, a representative from Ioannina, expressed concern over repeated reports of imported eggs being mislabeled as Greek. These eggs are often misleadingly described as free-range or organic.
The MPs emphasized that these practices are causing serious issues in the domestic market by disrupting fair competition and creating distortions. The inability to fully meet domestic demand due to a reduction in livestock undermines the efforts of producers who have invested in sustainable and modern farming methods, such as the use of barns or free-range farming.
The MPs also pointed out the lack of effective controls and the non-functional use of the "Artemis" traceability system, which undermines the development of the agrifood sector and damages the credibility of the Greek market. Based on these concerns, the two MPs are calling for immediate measures to address irregularities and restore transparency.
Specifically, the New Left party MPs posed four critical questions to the Minister of Rural Development:
- What immediate actions does the government intend to take to address the phenomena of Greekification, particularly during periods of increased demand, such as Easter?
- Is there a plan to strengthen and activate the "Artemis" traceability system, and what is the timeline for its implementation?
- What control mechanisms exist at customs and within the domestic market to prevent consumer deception, and what were the results of related checks in 2024?
- Is there a specific funding program to support poultry farms wishing to adopt more sustainable farming methods, such as barns, free-range, or organic practices?
