Livestock farmers in İskeçe threaten to leave Greece amid lack of state support

Due to the loss of their livestock from foot-and-mouth disease and insufficient state support, 70 out of 220 affected livestock farmers in İskeçe have reportedly decided to leave Greece in the spring to seek work abroad, according to Athanasios Loukoumakias, Secretary General of the Hellenic Livestock Association, speaking to ERT.

Loukoumakias criticized the 15-month delay in financial relief measures, noting that farmers have not received 2024 or 2025 subsidies due to issues with the OPEKEPE system, nor have they received compensation or support for rebuilding their herds. He said:

“We are forced to leave our land and provide for our families because the state does not support us. If serious support measures with incentives and funding were implemented, focusing on the productive base and the primary sector, farmers would remain in the country.”

Loukoumakias, a young farmer who previously relocated within İskeçe for his son’s schooling, stressed that his experience reflects broader rural depopulation trends.

Government Response and Payment Schedule

Vice Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis confirmed that the European Commission has approved the disbursement of subsidies. Speaking on Open TV, he stated that payments are expected within ten days, covering 70% of the basic subsidy as a prepayment, with the remaining 30% to follow after necessary checks.

Hatzidakis added that additional smaller-scale programs, delayed due to ongoing disruptions, will also be paid by year-end. Furthermore, funds under Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy, aimed at restructuring the agricultural sector, will be distributed.

The Vice Prime Minister also announced a redistribution of leftover funds to honest farmers under connected payments and ecological schemes next year, ensuring that surplus money stays in the country rather than returning to Brussels, emphasizing the social benefit for all Greek citizens.