MP calls for compensation for tobacco growers in Rhodope
Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat has submitted a parliamentary question urging the Greek government to provide financial support to Basma tobacco growers who suffered significant losses during the 2025 production season due to drought, prolonged heat and plant diseases.
In his parliamentary initiative, Ferhat noted that more than a year after the damage occurred, affected producers have yet to receive any financial assistance. He said the combination of severe drought, extended periods of high temperatures and viral plant diseases led to substantial declines in both tobacco yields and product quality.
According to reports prepared by the relevant authorities, extreme heat and drought hindered the development of young tobacco plants, causing widespread crop losses and significantly reducing production. The spread of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) also severely affected crop quality, further increasing producers' financial losses.
Ferhat stated that, based on information received from the authority responsible for State Economic Aid (KOE), an assessment report detailing the damage to tobacco-growing areas in Rodopi had already been submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. However, he pointed out that previous ministry statements indicated the report was still pending, raising questions about the status of the process.
The MP requested clarification from the ministry on whether the report had been officially received, the current stage of its evaluation, what steps have been taken to include the 2025 losses under the KOE compensation scheme or the *de minimis* support mechanism, and when compensation payments are expected to be made.
Meanwhile, the Thrace Tobacco Producers' Cooperative also sent a letter to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, stating that prolonged drought during both the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons had caused major production and income losses. The cooperative said damage exceeded 30% in many areas and called for immediate financial assistance for tobacco growers.
Commenting on the issue, Ferhat said the damage sustained during the 2025 production season had already been documented by the competent authorities, yet producers in Rodopi were still awaiting support. He stressed that the cooperative's latest appeal demonstrates the continuing hardship faced by tobacco growers and urged the government to accelerate the compensation process.
