Rodopi MP highlights corn farmers' subsidy grievances
Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat has submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministers of Agriculture & Food and Environment & Energy, calling for a review of the criteria that exclude Rodopi from the corn production subsidy program.
In his submission, the MP emphasized several key issues:
Outdated Data: The exclusion of Rodopi is based on soil and water analysis reports from before 2015. These reports, particularly for areas east and west of Lake Vistonida, identified water-stressed zones but do not reflect current climate and water conditions.
New Monitoring Stations: Establishing new stations in lowland areas is crucial for more accurate and representative data collection.
Unachievable Targets: The 2023 production target of 900 kg/ha has proven unattainable due to drought and extreme heat.
Reduced Subsidies: Initial support of €55 per hectare has decreased, placing significant financial strain on farmers.
The MP posed the following questions to the ministers:
Will Rodopi be included in the subsidy program based on fair and updated criteria?
Is there a plan to update pre-2015 soil and water analysis reports?
Are there plans to establish new monitoring stations in the region?
Can minimum production targets be revised considering climate change effects?
Will the subsidy be fixed at €55 per hectare to safeguard farmers' income?
Ferhat stressed that this initiative seeks concrete support to ensure a fair, transparent, and sustainable agricultural production system for Rodopi farmers.
