Özgür Ferhat listens to tobacco farmers’ concerns
Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat from the New Left Party recently met with Sinan Ahmet, President of the Thrace Tobacco Producers Cooperative, to address pressing issues faced by tobacco farmers in the region. During the meeting, Ferhat expressed concerns over the impact of prolonged drought, high temperatures, and dry winds on tobacco yields in 2024, which have worsened small farmers' challenges.
Key topics included the 2006 EU decision to significantly reduce support for tobacco farming, which has led to a sharp decline in cultivation area from 60,000 decares in 2018 to 21-22,000 decares today. The majority of tobacco farmers, holding only small parcels in disadvantaged areas, struggle to access development programs, often unable to meet growth requirements.
Ferhat highlighted his proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture for a "de minimis" aid per decare for 2024, noting that rising input costs and reduced production have intensified farmers' financial strain. Sinan Ahmet also called for raising the income limit for tax relief from €15,000 to €20,000, estimating a €2,000 loss per 15 decares due to the adverse weather conditions.
The meeting concluded with Ferhat’s commitment to pressuring the government to support tobacco farmers, emphasizing the sector's importance to Thrace’s economy and social cohesion.
