A farmer delegation met with the Alternate Minister of Finances Tryfon Alexiadis on Thursday, in order to discuss a number of tax-related demands. The meeting lasted about an hour, with the Alternate Minister unable to commit to any of their demands, with the farmer now debating strike actions.
In Thursday’s meeting the farmer presented their demands, which included demands on recognizing expenses in determining their taxable income. Expenses often amount to 50% or 60% of the cost of agricultural production, which in conjunction with a tax hike will cause major problems.
Mr. Alexiadis in return referred to the third bailout agreement, which requires an increase of farmer taxation. In 2015, he noted, taxes will face a 13% tax rate, however in 2016 it will increase to 20% and in 2017 to 26%. The Alternate Minister of Finances also told the delegation that the talks regarding the ENFIA tax on farming real estate will begin in 2016.
Following the fruitless meeting, the head of the delegation Theodoros Papakonstantinou told journalists that “we will fight and win”, Mr. Papakonstantinou added that he will inform farmer federations on the outcome of the meeting, in order to decide whether to escalate their strike actions or not.
