The support of the rural and productive world is a national priority for the government, especially in this difficult times, said Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras, during the first meeting of the Committee on Production and Trade. The Commission is processing the bill entitled “Interdisciplinary Organizations, Strengthening the Agricultural Sector, Organization of Services and Supervised Bodies of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and Restarting the Rural Economy”.

Referring to the cost of production, Mr Tsiaras said: “The government has taken specifically and substantial measures to reduce production costsin order to enhance the competitiveness of Greek farmers. These include the institutionalized refund of the special oil consumption tax, which gives a breath away to the agricultural world, as well as the securing a lower electricity price through the creation of a special energy space in PPC. “

He also stressed that last year during the meeting of farmers with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis it was agreed that there were three issues that had to be answered. One was The return of the excise duty to the oil, The second was the cheap stream and the third issue was the issue of rehabilitation and damages due to Daniel. “For the first time in the Greek state, we have a law -abiding reimbursement of the EFK for the professional farmers, which confirms the government’s willingness to support the productive world. But there have been some issues that have been clear. The first concerned whether the amount of € 100 million was the ceiling for the return. We have made it clear: whatever invoices are coming will be refunded, “he said.

At the same time, Mr Tsiaras emphasized that the government is obviously positive to discuss the matter Change of Return criteria of EFK. “The issue has now been clarified and a committee will be set up immediately between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Rural Development, officials and farmers in order to make this redefinition,” he said.

In terms of the cost of electricity Mr Tsiaras recalled that 9.3 minutes is below the production cost. “Indeed, in order to be able to secure this price, a special energy space was created within PPC. And with a brave government decision, for 2 + 8 years the low price of the rural current is committed. But here we are and to discuss afterwards. ”

At the same time, he referred to the issue of agricultural loansstressing that “for the first time it was given the opportunity to manage the red agricultural loans by a special liquidator, under the supervision of the Bank of Greece. This management gives hope to thousands of natural persons and cooperatives, as it allows for the impairment or even refinancing of loans, with the aim of relieving farmers from chronic financial burdens and rejuvenating the agricultural economy. ” And he added: “I appreciate that there is a huge step to solve a time problem.”

Particular emphasis gave the correct functioning of OPECEPEpointing out that the organization is in a process of total reorganization. “From the first moment we said that there will be nothing left to be examined by justice. We are in consultation with both the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Commission and we are trying to clarify anywhere that created an ambiguity. But the point is that OPECEPE is turning a page with a new administration to close the capital of uncertainty and challenge both from the country’s agricultural world and by the European Commission […]I have said many times and I will reiterate that the biggest bet on my own stay at the Ministry of Rural Development is the organization of the organization and I think through a plan and a design we implement, the next time we will give OPEKEPE the opportunity to stand up at the height of the circumstances. ”

Emphasized that the government recognizes the challenges brought about by climate crisisnoting that “it has activated measure 23 of the Rural Development Program, which provides for compensation for productions that have been proven by 30% or more. This measure is an important protection shield for producers facing serious difficulties due to extreme weather. “

Speaking about Mitsotakis’ interventions in favor of the rural world since 2019 onwards, the minister stressed: “It is sunny that from 2019 onwards, the country’s rural world has followed a different course. Insurance contributions have been significantly reduced, tax rates have been adapted for the benefit of farmers, while lower VAT rates have been introduced for agricultural supplies, fertilizers and machinery. The government stood in a brave way next to the productive world of the country, especially in difficult times, such as the natural disaster “Daniel” and the zoonoses. These measures prove the government’s willingness to support the primary sector at critical times. “

About Interprofessional Organizations He pointed out that the institution is now included in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, and their constitution is now facilitated.

Finally, Mr Tsiaras emphasized that supporting the rural world is a national priority and not party policy. “The government, with realism and consciousness of its responsibility, continues to take measures to ensure the viability of the primary sector, strengthening farmers and securing the future of Greek agricultural production. This policy is not a concomitant approach, but a strategy aimed at the long -term prosperity of the Greek agricultural sector. “