Greek farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers submit list of demands to Government
Farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers who took part in a nationwide assembly in Nikaia have formally submitted a comprehensive list of demands to the Greek government and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, signaling the continuation and escalation of their mobilizations.
The demands, sent on Sunday afternoon, focus primarily on economic relief and institutional reforms, amid rising production costs and mounting pressure on primary producers.
A central point of contention is the producers’ categorical opposition to transferring the management and control of agricultural subsidies from OPEKEPE to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). This comes despite OPEKEPE being at the center of a major subsidy scandal, involving alleged misappropriation of funds and felony charges against 15 individuals. Producers insist that OPEKEPE should be reformed and strengthened rather than absorbed by AADE.
Among the key economic demands are guaranteed minimum prices for agricultural products to cover production costs and ensure a viable income, electricity prices capped at €0.07 per kilowatt-hour, tax-free fuel at the pump, and the freezing of debts to social security funds, tax authorities, banks and public utilities.
Farmers are also calling for compensation for lost income in 2025 for products whose prices have collapsed below production costs, as well as major infrastructure projects such as irrigation systems, flood and fire protection works, and improvements to rural road networks.
They further demand sweeping changes to the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA), so that it fully insures and compensates production and capital at 100% against all natural disasters and diseases, with adequate state funding.
Livestock breeders place particular emphasis on the management of animal diseases. They are calling for vaccination-based strategies and the immediate halt of mass cullings, along with full compensation reflecting the real market value of animals, differentiated by species, age, productivity and breed.
They also seek compensation for lost income over a period of 12 to 24 months—or as long as necessary—until herds are fully reconstituted, as well as support for rebuilding livestock populations, including subsidies for new animals and genetic material. Additional demands include freezing financial obligations during periods of force majeure and reducing energy costs through net metering schemes.
Beekeepers’ demands
Beekeepers, meanwhile, are requesting unrestricted access to forests for their work, extended operating hours for smokers, and equal inclusion in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) investment programs. They are also seeking stricter controls on honey quality, measures to combat fraud and “Hellenization” of imported products, tax incentives for modern transport vehicles, and compensation of €20 per beehive, amounting to a total request of €30 million.
Government response
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food said that the government is already examining the demands submitted by agricultural representatives.
Source: paratiritis-news.gr
