In light of the recent Russian sanctions against EU countries and the great concern of Greek farmers who have seen their produce turned back at the Russian borders, the Ministry of Agricultural Development has approved two agreements to support exports to EU markets.

The first of the two agreements singed by Deputy Minister Paris Koukoulopoulos facilitates the export of fresh fruit (peaches and oranges) to Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Hungary, with a budget of 2.2 million euros. The second agreement, with a budget of 1.7 million euros, will help divert oil, olives and cheeses to EU markets such as Germany and Belgium.

These two initiatives are funded 50% by the EU, 20% by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and 30% by associated bodies. Mr. Koukoulopoulos commented that the Russian sanctions “demonstrate the importance of supporting extroversion and promoting our products in the domestic European market and the markets of third countries”.