SYRIZA, PASOK and New Left submit joint bill for National Agricultural Policy Council in Greece
The cross-party initiative seeks to address the long-standing absence of a stable, long-term and institutionally guaranteed strategic framework for Greece’s agricultural sector — a pillar of the national economy, food security, regional development and rural social cohesion.
Structural Challenges Facing Greece’s Primary Sector
According to the explanatory report accompanying the bill, Greece’s primary sector is grappling with serious structural weaknesses, including:
- Small and fragmented farm holdings
- Aging agricultural population
- High production costs
- Low productivity and farm income
- Infrastructure deficiencies
- Inefficient water management
- Limited broadband coverage in rural areas
The parties argue that agricultural policy in Greece has remained fragmented and often dependent on short-term governmental decisions, lacking continuity and measurable long-term goals.
Establishment of a Permanent, Cross-Party Strategic Body
Under the proposed legislation, the National Council for Agricultural Policy (ESAP) would function as a permanent, non-partisan institution responsible for long-term strategic planning.
The Council would include representatives from:
- Central government
- Local authorities
- Farmers’ organizations
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Academic and research institutions
- Social partners
The aim is to ensure inclusive governance and evidence-based policymaking in the agricultural domain.
A Binding National Roadmap Approved by Parliament
A key innovation of the proposal is the creation of a binding National Agricultural Policy Roadmap, to be approved by Parliament and serving as a mandatory framework for every future government.
The Roadmap would include:
- Clear and measurable objectives
- Defined timelines
- Performance indicators
- Accountability mechanisms
This framework is designed to guarantee institutional continuity, transparency and policy effectiveness, regardless of political changes.
Strategic Goals of the Proposal
The three parliamentary forces emphasize that the initiative aims to:
- Strengthen the competitiveness of Greek agricultural production
- Support and stabilize farmers’ income
- Ensure rational use of national and EU resources
- Protect the environment
- Safeguard national food sufficiency
According to the sponsors, the proposal lays the foundation for a modern, participatory and long-term agricultural policy model that maximizes Greece’s comparative advantages while responding effectively to the challenges of climate change, global market volatility and demographic decline.
The bill also reinforces the strategic oversight role of Parliament in shaping and monitoring agricultural policy.
Source: Paratiritis News
