Özgür Ferhat seeks damage assessment and compensation clarity for Rhodope cotton farmers
Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat has called on the Greek government to conduct a scientific assessment of potential damage to cotton crops caused by strong northerly winds and heavy rainfall, urging authorities to clarify whether affected farmers are eligible for compensation.
Ferhat submitted a written parliamentary question to Greece’s Minister of Rural Development and Food, requesting an objective assessment of crop losses and clear information on compensation procedures under the country’s agricultural insurance system.
According to a statement from Ferhat’s political office, cotton fields in the region were exposed to northerly winds exceeding force 5 on the Beaufort scale for several days, followed by three days of heavy rainfall. Approximately 23 millimetres of rain was recorded in a single day, after which strong northerly winds returned.
The adverse weather raised concerns among farmers because an estimated 70–80% of cotton bolls had already opened, leaving crops vulnerable ahead of harvesting. Strong winds could cause cotton to detach from plants and fall to the ground, while heavy rainfall could affect fibre and seed quality.
CALL FOR SCIENTIFIC CROP DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
The statement said the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organisation (ELGA) had been informed of the situation and had conducted inspections of fields reported to have suffered damage.
However, Ferhat argued that visual inspections alone might not capture the full extent of the losses. He called for assessments based on scientific methods, representative sampling and objective measurements.
He stressed that inspections should also examine possible internal damage to cotton bolls and any deterioration in fibre and seed quality that might not be apparent from the plants’ external appearance.
With farmers already facing high production costs, Ferhat said an accurate and comprehensive assessment of losses was essential.
QUESTIONS OVER COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY
In his parliamentary submission, Ferhat asked the government to clarify the criteria used to calculate losses in harvestable cotton and damage affecting the marketability of the crop.
He also called for moisture-related changes in cotton weight to be distinguished from actual production losses. Where necessary, he proposed collecting field samples and conducting laboratory analyses to establish the extent of damage using objective scientific criteria.
The MP further asked how authorities would determine whether the reported losses were directly attributable to the adverse weather conditions.
His questions also addressed whether farmers affected by the weather could qualify for compensation under the existing ELGA insurance regulations.
DEMAND FOR CLEAR TIMELINES AND SUPPORT
Ferhat asked what measures the government would take if significant production losses were confirmed and when the damage assessment process would be completed.
He stressed that farmers should receive a full assessment of their losses, clear information about compensation eligibility and timely decisions on their claims.
The parliamentary question seeks clarification from the government; the supplied report does not include an official response or confirmation of compensation for affected farmers.
