Greek farmers react strongly after meeting with Mitsotakis: “We continue the fight for survival”
Despite the government describing the talks as “productive,” representatives from agricultural, livestock, fishing, and beekeeping sectors made it clear that their core demands remain unmet. According to Minister of Agricultural Development Kostas Tsiaras, the government has “offered everything it can,” adding that future discussions will be limited to technical adjustments and minor improvements.
“The main framework has already been set,” Tsiaras stated, noting that Mitsotakis is expected to meet with livestock farmers next week. However, farmers argue that the proposed measures fall far short of addressing the structural crisis threatening their livelihoods.
Farmers’ Assemblies to Decide Next Steps
Farmer unions are now preparing for general assemblies at protest blockades scheduled for Tuesday, where decisions on further action will be finalized. Discontent is already widespread, with many emphasizing that their struggle is no longer about negotiations—but survival.
Rizos Maroudas, President of the United Federation of Agricultural Associations of Larissa, accused the government of hiding behind fiscal constraints and European Union regulations.
“Our demands were recognized as fair, but the government once again took refuge in familiar excuses—budgetary limitations and EU rules,” Maroudas said. “These announcements came only because of the pressure exerted by thousands of farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and fishermen united in struggle.”
He warned that current policies are forcing a large segment of Greece’s agricultural community out of production altogether. “We cannot survive under these conditions,” he stressed. “That is why we continue our mobilizations. We continue the fight for our survival.”
Sector Leaders Warn of Collapse
Similar frustration was voiced by Thomas Moschos, President of the Kastoria Farmers’ Association, who described the meeting as “hitting a wall.”
“None of our questions were answered,” Moschos said, warning that Greece’s livestock sector is “heading toward collapse” due to the lack of concrete government support.
Panagiotis Perakis, President of the Volos Fishermen’s Association, also expressed disappointment, highlighting unresolved issues such as invasive species, marine mammals, and illegal fishing. “If illegal fishing is tackled, both the state and fishermen will benefit,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Konstantinos Leontarakis, President of the Federation of Greek Beekeeping Associations, said expectations remain low despite assurances of a future inter-ministerial meeting.
“Beekeeping has been sending an SOS for years,” Leontarakis stated, emphasizing that the sector faces chronic problems that demand immediate and comprehensive solutions.
A Struggle Far from Over
As protests persist across Greece, farmers insist that without political will and substantial policy changes, the country risks losing a vital pillar of its economy and food security.
“We are not asking for privileges,” Maroudas concluded. “We are asking for the right to live and produce.”
