Tobacco growers’ concerns discussed with Greek deputy agriculture minister

The head of the Thrace Tobacco Producers’ Cooperative, Sinan Ahmet, and members of the cooperative’s management met with Greek Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Ioannis Adrianos to discuss the challenges facing tobacco growers and the financial losses caused by drought.

The meeting took place on August 31, 2026, according to a statement issued by the cooperative.

During the meeting, the cooperative representatives outlined the difficulties tobacco producers have faced in recent years, arguing that growers have not been able to benefit sufficiently from various forms of state support and assistance.

Drought losses take center stage
One of the main issues discussed was the impact of drought conditions in 2024 and 2025 on tobacco production.

According to the cooperative, Deputy Minister Adrianos pledged that compensation for losses caused by the drought would be provided by the end of 2026 through state support programs.

The cooperative said the commitment is expected to provide financial relief to tobacco producers who suffered significant economic losses as a result of adverse weather conditions.

Calls for greater support for tobacco producers
The cooperative also conveyed its broader concerns regarding the challenges facing tobacco growers and called for measures to address their economic difficulties.

In its statement, the Thrace Tobacco Producers’ Cooperative described the meeting as important for bringing producers’ concerns directly to the relevant authorities and putting their demands for solutions on the government’s agenda.

The cooperative emphasized that supporting growers affected by drought and addressing their financial losses remain among the sector’s key expectations from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.