“YPAAT has taken measures to contain production costs in the primary sector and support producers”, answers the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Lefteris Avgenakisin a petition filed by the SYRIZA MP, Vassilis Kokkalis, on the subject of “Producers and professional sellers of People’s Markets at an impasse”.

The reduction of production costs is a key pillar of the Ministry’s policy, over time, with the aim – among other things – of improving the competitiveness of Greek agricultural products.

In particular, among the actions implemented, there are also the controls carried out by the General Directorate of Decentralized Structures of the HYPAAT on agricultural supplies (feed, fertilizers, propagating material), at all stages of their movement, in order to ensure the supply of safe and high-quality agricultural supplies to the producers.

In 2023, a total of 34,758 checks were carried out, of which:

– 3,234 in fertilizers

– 30,126 in propagating material

– 1,398 in animal feed,

while 503 control reports were submitted for non-compliance of agricultural products, which are traded on the market.

“YPAAT supports and promotes the fruit and vegetable sector through Producer Organizations, with the aim of improving the competitiveness of the sector, the attractiveness of these Organizations and the special goal of preserving and protecting the Environment”, the Minister points out.

In fact, in the new CAP 2023-2027, in the interventions concerning fruit and vegetables, Producer Organizations will obligatorily include in their programs, at a rate of 2%, actions aimed at research into sustainable production methods, innovative practices and production techniques that they enhance competitiveness and give impetus to the development of markets.

It should also be pointed out that a few days ago, on behalf of the Minister of Rural Development, Lefteris Avgenakis, the MLA was signed for the return of the Special Consumption Tax on agricultural oil.

The said Joint Ministerial Decision provides that the amount of refund of the EFFK to which the farmers are entitled is inalienable and unseizable by the Greek government or any third party.

Finally, it is recalled that the government has reduced the VAT for the purchase of fertilizers and animal feed from 13% to 6%.