MP Ferhat urges support for Tobacco farmers in Thrace
Özgür Ferhat, a Member of Parliament from the New Left Party representing Rhodope, has submitted a report to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food advocating for urgent support for tobacco producers in the region.
The report, prepared by the Tobacco Producers’ Cooperative of Thrace, calls for the inclusion of local tobacco farming under the Rural Development Program (PAA) 2014–2022, specifically within Measure 23 (METRO 23). The cooperative emphasized the need for structural support amid ongoing challenges.
The document highlights the severe economic distress faced by producers due to prolonged drought conditions and lack of government aid. It warns that the region's traditional, high-quality "basma" tobacco, which is almost entirely exported, is now at risk of disappearing due to rising production costs and insufficient support.
Despite damages being officially documented by the Rhodope Agricultural Directorate, farmers have yet to benefit from relevant subsidies or compensation, the report states.
In his statement, MP Ferhat stressed: “Tobacco producers in Rhodope are not asking for privilege — they are asking for justice. The state must urgently provide concrete support to this historically and economically significant sector before it is too late.”
