Livestock farmers across Crete are planning major highway blockades Wednesday to protest delayed subsidy payments, rising costs, and the threat of sheeppox.
Farmers from Heraklion, Lasithi, and Anogeia are scheduled to gather at noon today.
They intend to block the main VOAK highway in Heraklion, allowing only emergency vehicles to pass.
Similar simultaneous blockades are planned in Chania and Rethymno, targeting key highway junctions.
Lefteris Triantafyllakis, president of the Heraklion Livestock Association, confirmed the protest. Mr. Triantafyllakis said decisions on further actions would be made at the blockade site.
The demonstrations follow widespread frustration over the recent OPEKEPE subsidy scandal, which has delayed critical payments.
Farmers also cite persistently low milk prices while the costs of animal feed, fuel, and energy rise sharply.
Farmers are demanding immediate government action, warning that neglect of the agricultural sector is causing rural communities to be deserted.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, concerned about significant travel disruptions.