Tobacco producers in Thrace continue to await compensation payments

The Thrace Tobacco Producers and Various Agricultural Products Cooperative has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, requesting urgent measures to address the financial difficulties faced by producers.

The cooperative stated that although the damage has been assessed and reported by the competent authorities under the State Economic Aid (KOE) framework, official decisions regarding compensation payments have not yet been announced.

Representatives of tobacco producers said the droughts in 2024 and 2025 resulted in significant production and income losses, with crop damage exceeding 30% in many areas of Rodopi.

The cooperative warned that the situation threatens the sustainability of hundreds of agricultural businesses and the future of basma-type tobacco production, which remains an important economic activity for the region.

The organization called on the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and local authorities in Rodopi to take immediate steps to provide financial support to affected producers.

Independent MP Özgür Ferhat from Rodopi also voiced support for the producers' demands, submitting a parliamentary question on July 3 requesting information from the government about the compensation process.

Ferhat asked whether the KOE Regional Commission’s report had reached the ministry, what stage the evaluation process had reached, what measures had been taken to include 2025 production losses under KOE or de minimis support programs, and when compensation payments were expected to be made.

He said it was unacceptable that tobacco producers in Rodopi remained uncertain despite their losses being officially identified by competent authorities, urging the government to accelerate the process and provide financial assistance without further delay.