The fundraising Draft Law of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, which, among other things, includes regulations for interprofessional organizations, for red agricultural loans, for strengthening the agricultural sector, etc., for its services and supervised entities, was put to public consultation. ministry etc.

With this bill, the ministry aims, as it emphasizes:

  • the strengthening of the interprofessional organizations that are set up by sector of agricultural products (agriculture-livestock) and fishery and aquaculture products,
  • dealing with more specific issues of the agricultural sector with the aim of its optimal operation and strengthening those active in it,
  • the regulation of property utilization issues managed by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food,
  • the orderly operation of the services and supervised bodies of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food,
  • the restart of the rural economy and
  • the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Red farm loans

The Draft Law introduces new arrangements for the management of red agricultural loans through special liquidators.

This arrangement concerns claims amounting to 3.8 billion. euros, including more than 700 agricultural cooperatives and approximately 21,000 farmers.

At the same time, it concerns frozen assets worth more than 1.5 billion. euros, which, if used properly, can contribute to the substantial resolution of the problem.

Among other things, liquidators are required to submit business plans to the Bank of Greece, ensuring greater transparency. It is emphasized that priority will be given to the management of agricultural loans by specialized managers in order to better support producers.

It also provides for the possibility of writing off part of the capital in the context of compromises, allowing for more sustainable solutions for farmers.

Interprofessional Organizations

According to the bill, the institution of Interprofessional organizations is expanded since the fishing and aquaculture sectors are included.

This will have the effect of strengthening cooperation and collective representation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, but also to regulate the problems related to the operation and legal form of the organizations.

In the meantime, the bill provides for the establishment of the National Council of Interprofessional Organizations (ESDO).

The aim is the coordinated promotion of the requests of the recognized Interprofessional Organizations to the FSAAT and the provision of expertise of the members of the Interprofessional Organizations to the ministry for the promotion of actions related to their fields of activity.

Strengthening the agricultural sector

The framework for animal landfilling is broadened, covering new cases such as beekeeping by-products.

In addition, the framework for combating the illegal trafficking of veterinary medicinal products is strengthened. Stricter controls and penalties will be imposed and public health will be protected while reducing the illegal drug trade.

Grazing Plans

With the aim of enhancing the productivity of livestock farmers, the new bill will facilitate the drawing up of grazing plans, allowing the Ministry to outsource the process of drawing up Management Grazing Plans to a third party.

An extension will also be given until 2027, while at the same time the possibility will be given by ministerial decision for further extensions if and as long as they have not been completed by 2027.

This means that operators get more time to adapt to the new requirements, ensuring the success of the plans, while this change serves to improve the data needed for efficient grazing.