Farmers’ and Livestock Breeders’ Association of Dedeağaç: “Dialogue must be credible, not deceptive”
The Farmers’ and Livestock Breeders’ Association of Dedeağaç has issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the government’s approach to talks with the agricultural sector. Responding to comments by Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras—who claimed that “the government and the ministry remain open to dialogue with farmers, and no request for a meeting has been rejected”—the Association argued that genuine dialogue requires credibility and trust.
“Dialogue must aim at solving problems, uncovering the truth, or reaching agreements. It must include clear answers—positive or negative—and show consistent interest from both sides, not only when tractors take to the streets,” the Association said.
The statement accused the government of using dialogue for “purely communicative purposes,” arguing that this tactic has been evident for years and has contributed to the current crisis.
Demanding Clear Answers
The Association called for immediate responses to several “critical” questions, including:
- What has driven the entire farming community to the streets?
- Are farmers responsible for the state’s mismanagement of EU funds?
- Are farmers to blame for major errors in the monitoring system results?
- What are the responsibilities of the state and the government?
- What happened with the OPEKEPE case?
- Why was European judicial intervention necessary?
- Why do farmers feel that once again everything will be swept under the rug?
- Are there no political or criminal liabilities?
“The current situation vindicates no one. We have all failed, and everyone must assume the responsibilities that correspond to them—above all toward the young people who are being asked to remain in the Greek countryside,” the Association concluded.
Protest at Kipoi (Bahçeköy) Border Crossing Continues
Farmers from the central and southern parts of Evros continue to maintain the roadblock at the Kipoi border crossing for the seventh consecutive day. On Sunday, olive producers from the municipality of Dedeağaç visited the site in a show of solidarity and symbolically planted an olive tree.
Speaking to ERT Orestiada, the president of the Dedeağaç Farmers’ Association noted that participation remains strong and that farmers are prepared to “intensify” their actions.
Traffic between Greece and Türkiye remains uninterrupted for private cars and buses but not for trucks. Approximately 200 trucks bound for Türkiye remain immobilized on the Egnatia Odos near the Kipoi (Bahçeköy) crossing. In previous days, limited passage was permitted to ease congestion on both the Egnatia and the old national road, ahead of the weekend’s expected peak traffic.
