Özgür Ferhat raises Rhodope farmers’ and livestock breeders’ concerns in parliament
Independent Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat has brought the problems facing tobacco, cherry and cotton producers as well as livestock breeders in Rhodope to the Greek Parliament, calling for clear timetables for pending financial support and compensation payments.
Speaking during the debate on a bill submitted by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Ferhat focused on outstanding issues affecting producers in the region, including agricultural subsidies, compensation, production costs, applications related to OPEKEPE and the rebuilding of livestock herds.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION HAS DECLINED, FERHAT SAYS
Ferhat said the cultivated area in Rhodope had fallen from approximately 625,000 stremmas to around 400,000 over five years. He argued that the decline was affecting the economic and social life of villages in a region where cotton, tobacco and livestock farming remain important economic activities.
The figure was also reported by local Greek media covering Ferhat’s parliamentary intervention.
“The farmer is in the field”
Ferhat also criticized what he described as an excessive focus on digitalization and the updating of agricultural registers.
“The farmer is not on a digital platform. He is in the field. The livestock breeder is beside his animals,” he said, arguing that producers primarily need clear information about when payments will be made, whether they will receive compensation and whether they will be able to continue production the following year.
He also raised the impact of higher costs for fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and labor.
TOBACCO PRODUCERS SEEK CLARITY ON SUPPORT
Ferhat called for a specific timetable concerning compensation and support for tobacco producers in Rhodope, referring to losses he said they had suffered over the past two years.
He asked the government to clarify whether compensation would be paid, how many producers would be covered and what the level of support would be. He also renewed his criticism of the decision not to include tobacco in Measure 23.
A parliamentary document confirms that Ferhat had previously asked the government about financial support for tobacco producers in Rhodope and sought information on the progress of the relevant assessment and the possible funding mechanism.
CHERRY AND COTTON PRODUCERS
Ferhat also raised the issue of compensation for cherry producers in Rhodope, calling for clear information on the planned ad hoc support and the timetable for payments.
The issue has previously been raised in parliament. According to reports from September, 543 cherry producers in Rhodope had declared losses following the severe frost of spring 2025, with Ferhat asking the government to clarify the amount and timing of compensation.
For cotton producers, Ferhat referred to a scheme aimed at reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and the financial support associated with it.
LIVESTOCK SECTOR AND HERD REBUILDING
The MP also placed particular emphasis on livestock farming, calling for measures to rebuild livestock herds and support breeders affected by animal diseases and the measures implemented to contain them.
“Two and a half years is enough,” Ferhat said, calling for concrete measures and clear deadlines.
Ferhat concluded that farmers and livestock breeders were seeking specific solutions rather than further commitments and said he would continue raising their concerns in parliament.
GREEK PARLIAMENT RECORDS FERHAT AS AN INDEPENDENT MP
Ferhat is currently listed by the Greek Parliament as an independent MP representing the Rhodope constituency. Parliamentary records also show his continued involvement in agricultural issues, including a recent parliamentary question concerning irrigation projects in Rhodope.
