The government and the Ministry of Rural Development and Food are treating with absolute seriousness the situation currently faced by the country’s farmers.

The demands being raised reflect a difficult reality in agricultural production.

Some of them are fair and reflect the pressure placed on the primary sector by production costs, international developments, and the impacts of the climate crisis.

We can sincerely work toward creating the necessary common ground for understanding.

On the government’s side, there is a clear willingness to engage in meaningful discussions on all issues concerning the farming community.

Within this framework, we are carefully examining each demand, taking into account both producers’ needs and the resilience of the economy, as well as the European institutional framework.

Together with the relevant ministries, we have processed the farmers’ demands, and there is room to consider interventions concerning:

• Production costs, through measures that immediately reduce burdens and strengthen producers’ liquidity
• Energy, by ensuring stable and low-cost electricity for agricultural use
• Fuel, particularly the issue of agricultural diesel prices at the pump
• ELGA (Agricultural Insurance Organization), with immediate changes to its regulations so that compensation covers 100% of insured damage
• Support for sectors under the greatest pressure, such as livestock farming and specific crops. The new support will result from the utilization of unallocated basic payment funds, stemming from the restructuring of OPEKEPE and targeted cross-checks conducted by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

For these reasons, I call on farmers and their representatives to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Closing

With respect for their needs, yet also with a full awareness of the country’s actual capabilities.

Only in this way can we move forward, with steady steps and common sense.

The framework of the farmers’ demands is expected to be outlined in statements to be made shortly by the Minister of Rural Development, Kostas Tsiaras.

Earlier, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis foreshadowed Tsiaras’s announcements during the briefing of political correspondents, once again making it clear that fiscal stability will not be compromised. Immediately after Mr. Tsiaras’s announcements, a response from the farmers at the road blockades is expected.

Watch live the announcements by the Minister of Rural Development, Kostas Tsiaras.