Sweeping raids by wild boars in the Kalindoia area of the Lagadas municipality, just outside Thessaloniki, have left local farmers in despair.

According to a report by news outlet Voria.gr, despite the widespread destruction caused by the wild boars, Greece’s agricultural insurance organization ELGA does not compensate the affected farmers due to the Ramsar Convention – which applies to the region because of its proximity to Lakes Volvi and Koroneia.

Notably, in the area around the Sarakina settlement, wild boar raids have damaged sunflower fields covering roughly 1,000 stremmas (100 hectares).

Farmer Panagiotis Rofaelas told Voria.gr, “There are fields like mine where the damage reaches 100%. The crops are completely flattened, because the animals bend the plants to reach the flower and eat the seeds. We’re talking about total destruction.”

He added, “ELGA does not compensate this kind of damage because the fields are located in a protected Ramsar zone. However, they fall within Zone B, which isn’t eligible for compensation, unlike Zone A, just a few kilometers away, where compensation is granted.”

A Growing Problem with Expanding Herds

At the same time, the issue of growing wild boar populations throughout the wider Lagadas area remains unresolved, with many farmers voicing frustration over the persistent damage. The animals, moving in packs, sweep across entire regions in search of food.

As reported by Voria.gr, local farmers have appealed to the Lagadas Forest Service for a solution. However, the agency has stated that it lacks the authority to take significant action, since managing animal populations requires decisions from a national governmental body. Meanwhile, sources suggest a sharp increase in wild boar numbers in recent years due to a lack of population control measures.

The opening of hunting season on August 20 is expected to help reduce wild boar numbers. Additionally, specially designated hunting teams, known as “wild boar eradication squads,” continue to operate even outside of the regular season. These groups are active particularly in the Koroneia municipal unit, including Kalindoia, Polydendri, and Chryssavgi.

Still, according to statistics from the Lagadas Forest Service, the number of boars actually culled is minimal compared to the estimated population levels.