Farmers in central Greece are demanding the immediate payment of overdue agricultural subsidies and compensation for 2024's catastrophic Storm Daniel, warning that a lack of "urgent liquidity" is trapping them in hardship.
During a meeting in Larissa with New Democracy MP Maximos Charakopoulos, farmers from Platykampos raised concerns over the delays.
They cited unpaid funds for flood debris removal, despite filing correct 2024 farm declarations. They also called for immediate compensation for long-term crops, such as alfalfa and fruit trees, destroyed by the floods.
Farmers also pressed for relief for animal feed producers who were unable to sell crops due to a recent sheeppox outbreak.
Mr. Charakopoulos, who is the parliamentary secretary, contacted Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras.
Mr. Tsiaras assured him that payments were a priority despite "unprecedented challenges."
The minister said payments for debris removal have begun and missing cases will be investigated.
Mr. Tsiaras pledged that advance payments for crop restoration would be made by the end of 2025, with outstanding basic subsidy payments completed by the end of November.
He added that the animal feed issue is "under review" by a scientific committee.
Mr. Charakopoulos emphasized the farmers' difficult position, which he said was compounded by the OPEKEPE payment scandal.
“Liquidity is urgently needed,” Mr. Charakopoulos said. “These payments must go through, otherwise the ministry’s efforts will be undermined."