Greece announces €50 million in frost damage support, with 543 producers in Rhodope eligible
Greece has announced a €50 million ad hoc support programme for farmers affected by spring frost in 2025, including producers in Rhodope (Rodopi), where 543 farmers are expected to qualify for assistance.
The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food announced the programme on September 30, 2026. It is intended to cover frost-related losses that fall outside the existing compensation mechanism operated by the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organisation (ELGA).
The announcement follows a parliamentary question submitted on August 27 by Özgür Ferhat, a member of parliament representing Rhodope, who called for support for producers affected by the frost.
CHERRY, SOUR CHERRY, APPLE AND QUINCE PRODUCERS INCLUDED
In Rhodope, the programme is expected to cover producers of cherries, sour cherries, apples and quinces affected by frost in March and April 2025, particularly during the pre-flowering period.
To qualify, production losses must exceed 30% both at the relevant regional agricultural unit level and for the individual producer. ELGA will conduct the necessary inspections and checks, with compensation calculated according to the actual production losses established.
Individual payments could reach up to €200,000, according to the report. Final eligibility and payment amounts will depend on the assessment process.
IMPLEMENTATION DECISION STILL AWAITED
The programme has not yet reached the payment stage. The required Joint Ministerial Decision (KYA) is still awaiting completion of the approval process.
According to the ministry's announcement, the draft decision is to be sent to Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Athanasios Petralias and Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) Governor Giorgos Pitsilis for the necessary signatures.
Once the decision is signed and enters into force, ELGA is expected to carry out the required checks and proceed with implementation.
FERHAT RAISED THE ISSUE IN PARLIAMENT
Ferhat submitted parliamentary question No. 7857 on August 27, 2026, urging the ministry to address the losses suffered by fruit growers following the spring frosts of 2025.
The September 30 announcement marks a step towards providing assistance to affected farmers who are not covered by the standard ELGA compensation mechanism. For the 543 producers expected to qualify in Rhodope, the next milestones are the finalisation of the ministerial decision, verification of losses and confirmation of payments.
