Greek Farmers face liquidity crisis as OSDE 2026 delayed and farmer card remains inactive
Greek farmers are facing mounting financial pressure as delays in the opening of the OSDE 2026 declaration system and the continued inactivity of the Farmer Card restrict access to critical funding during the planting season.
A parliamentary question was submitted by Hüseyin Zeybek and four MPs from New Left Party, raising urgent concerns over liquidity shortages affecting producers across the country.
OSDE Platform Delays Disrupt Agricultural Financing
According to the MPs, the OSDE (Integrated Administration and Control System for farm declarations) has either not yet opened for 2026 applications or is experiencing significant technical issues.
As a result, banks are unable to approve credit limits linked to the Farmer Card, a key financial tool that provides advance funding to farmers. This has left many producers without access to cash at one of the most critical periods of the agricultural cycle.
Rising Costs and Chain Reactions in the Sector
The MPs highlighted that increasing input costs—such as fertilizers, seeds, and fuel—are already putting pressure on farmers. The OSDE delay has further intensified the situation, triggering a chain reaction across the agricultural economy.
Many producers are reportedly unable to secure necessary inputs on time, forcing them to rely on credit from local agricultural suppliers. In some cases, farmers are reducing fertilizer use or opting for lower-quality seeds, potentially impacting crop yields and long-term productivity.
Urgent Questions to the Government
The parliamentary inquiry calls on the government to clarify:
- Why the OSDE platform has not yet been fully operational and when it will function without issues
- What immediate measures will be taken to activate the Farmer Card
- Whether temporary or alternative financial solutions will be introduced to address the liquidity gap
The MPs also stressed the need for structural measures to prevent similar delays from recurring annually.
Broad Political Support for the Inquiry
In addition to Zeybek, the parliamentary question was co-signed by Sia Anagnostopoulou, Nassos Iliopoulos, Peti Perka, and Theano Fotiou, reflecting broader political concern over the issue.
