7.2.13
In light of the escalating action by farmers across Greece, Minister of Agricultural Development Athanasios Tsaftaris has agreed upon a set of measures with the Prime Minister. The Ministry insists that “no farmer is going to lose their land”.
The government’s proposed measures include:
- In February the government will subsidize cotton producers plagued by green worm, with 200 million euros.
- With EU approval, farmers will be subsidized with 30 million euros for animal feed. This only concerns goat, cattle, poultry and pig farmers.
- The government will pay outstanding bills to Imathia peach producers.
- Greater VAT return: Of 292,000 farmers, 37,000 were not entitled to VAT returns.
- The “early pension” program is extended by two years,
- Regarding heavily-mortgaged land towards ATE, the government will make appropriate arrangements so that no farmer loses their land.
- Return from special consumption tax of oil. The government is also considering establishing a special farmer oil rate.
- Reducing electricity cost for farmers, with a special night-time tariff.
- Supporting cash flow and facilitating the modernization of farmers and processors.
- Simplifying the legalization procedure of stables.
