Greek Farmers Protest Rising Costs, Demand More Support

Frustrated by high production costs and low prices, Greek farmers staged symbolic protests nationwide, briefly blocking highways with tractors. This comes as similar mobilizations sweep across Europe, highlighting the struggles of the agricultural sector.

Key Demands:

• Faster and increased compensation for crop and livestock losses from weather events like last year's floods.
• Cheaper fuel and electricity to offset rising production costs.

Government Response:

• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with protesting farmers, pledging support.
• The government has already provided €1 billion in compensation, half of which came from farmer contributions.
• VAT on animal feed and fertilizers has been lowered.
• Exploring options to reduce production and energy costs at national and European levels.

Challenges:

• Addressing farmers' backlogs and transportation/diesel fuel costs.
• Balancing support with financial constraints.

Prime Minister's Message:

• Acknowledged the difficulties farmers face.
• Recognized progress in providing "relatively reasonable prices" but aims to reduce them further.
• Vowed to continue taking steps to support the agricultural sector.