The need further revision of the CAP but in the direction of simplifying the procedures for absorbing EU funds and reducing bureaucracy, pointed out the Minister of Rural Development and Food Lefteris Avgenakis, in his speech to the Parliament, during the debate in Production and Trade Committeeof the draft law of the PHAAT entitled: “Strengthening of standard animal husbandry, regulations for fishing and aquaculture, provisions for plant health, biocidal products and food quality and other provisions for the stimulation of rural development”.

The minister announced that for now the European Commission informed unofficially that he accepted the changes that our country has requested from the end of 2023. In fact, Lefteris Avgenakis said that he is in consultation with the other ministers of the member states of the South (EUMED-9 group) in order to formulate common positions as to the changes to be promoted in the CAP. And as he noted, the joint promotion of the imposed changes “as a strong fist” gives more power to the specific request. In fact, between the 9 countries, further meetings were agreed with an agenda that will be formed jointly.

Referring to issues of land improvements raised by MPs, he emphasized that in Thessaly, where 53 TOEBs and one GOEB operate, data has been requested for months on the interventions that the state should make, but there is only a response from ten of them. A response is also awaited from the other TOEBs, either individually or through the Region, so that the next steps can be planned.

Regarding the 16,000 TINs reserved to OPEKEPE, he reiterated that, after an audit that has begun on those that have been found to be free of any wrongdoing, they will be released, while those that have been found to be wrongful will be brought to justice.

Referring to the substance of the bill, he said that it includes regulations that on the one hand introduce a new regulatory framework to support farmers and on the other hand regulate operational issues and support farmers affected by natural disasters (fires, floods).

Objectives of the draft law:

The creation of livestock parks for the housing of animals, supporting the viability of small livestock enterprises.

Dealing with the bureaucracy in order to provide a solution to the chronic problem of inconsequential fishing appeals.

The introduction of regulations for fishing tourism and aquaculture.

The creation of a sufficient framework for the parallel production of agricultural products and PV operation on highly productive land.

To help the daily life of the producers and to solve their chronic problems, ensuring their sustainability in general.

To regulate issues of those affected by fires and floods of the last months, who were, temporarily or permanently, in a state of emergency.

To settle and streamline operational, regulatory and legislative issues of all kinds.

To ensure the improvement of the functioning of organizations.

The establishment of Agricultural Departments in the Chambers, strengthening agricultural entrepreneurship.

The debate on the bill will continue in the Committee on Thursday, February 8.