Farmers have ended their demonstration outside the Presidential Palace grounds following the resolution of a standoff with the government.
The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture briefed demonstrators on the President’s directives, confirming the government’s commitment to allocate €4.3 million – €6 per acre for cereals and €55 per acre for potatoes.
Moreover, the Ministry of Agriculture has expressed openness to consider the remaining requests outlined in a memorandum presented to the President.
Before their protest, cereal and potato producers successfully negotiated an increase in economic support from the initially proposed €2.78 million to €4.3 million.
Earlier, a memorandum submitted to the President outlined the following demands:
- Support for farmers due to the escalating costs of production.
- Prompt disbursement of acreage subsidies and related measures (eco-schemes & agri-environmental) to entitled recipients.
- Withdrawal of letters from the PAAS to facilitate the seamless advancement of subsidies.
- Swift compensation for losses incurred due to drought.
- Adjustments to the framework for a fairer compensation structure for farmers.
In a joint statement, agricultural organizations Pek, Nea Agrotiki and Evroagrotikos expressed satisfaction with the government’s decision, considering it positive given the prevailing circumstances.
Consequently, they opted not to formally participate in the unnecessary demonstration staged outside the Presidential Palace. “We remain hopeful that the government will continue to lend support to the primary sector and extend assistance to other sectors grappling with challenges arising from elevated production costs,” they said.
Government’s Stance
Responding to queries about the protest staged by potato and cereal producers and their associated demands, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said, “The government proposed a grant of €4.3 million, equating to €6 per acre for cereal growers and €55 per acre for potato producers. We believe this proposal is highly favourable. While we acknowledge the right to take necessary measures, it is important to understand that actions such as today’s, blocking the roads around the Presidential Palace, do not contribute positively amidst ongoing discussions or consultations; rather, they cause inconvenience to the public.”
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