Farmers in Meriç announce closure of Bahçeköy border crossing in protest

Farmers and livestock producers in the Meriç region have announced plans to shut down the Bahçeköy Border Crossing on May 2, 2026, in a large-scale protest over worsening economic conditions and unresolved sectoral grievances.

The announcement was made by local agricultural groups operating in the Meriç (Evros) area, who say they have reached a breaking point due to ongoing financial pressures and policy uncertainty affecting their livelihoods.

“Our Patience Has Run Out”
In their statement, producers stressed that they can no longer tolerate what they describe as prolonged neglect and unfair treatment.

They warned that the survival of the agricultural sector in the region is under serious threat, with many farmers facing the risk of economic collapse. The planned action, they said, is a response driven by both present hardships and concerns for future generations.

Full Blockade Planned at Strategic Border Point
According to the organizers, the protest will involve a complete blockade of traffic at the Kipi border gate, a key transit point between Greece and Türkiye.

The farmers emphasized that the closure is intended to send a strong message to authorities, urging immediate attention to their demands and structural solutions to long-standing problems in the sector.

Growing Rural Discontent in Border Regions
The decision reflects broader tensions among rural producers in border regions, where rising costs, market instability, and regulatory challenges have increasingly fueled protests across Europe.

Local farmers are calling for urgent policy intervention, arguing that without immediate action, agricultural production in the region could continue to decline.