The need to be stable agricultural income, entry of young people into the primary sector but also investments that increase competitiveness in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, emphasized the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras during interventions at the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union.

With regard to new technologies, the Greek minister asked for the development of the appropriate institutional framework in order to facilitate the use of drones in plant protection, improving the competitiveness of European agriculture.

On the subject of animal transport, he pointed out that “the protection of animals during transport touches the core of our culture”, and supported the need to modernize the legislation, with a special emphasis on maritime transport, due to the geographical specificity of Greece”. At the same time, he called for the new regulations to be phased in so as not to disproportionately burden small carriers and traditional livestock farms.

Mr. Tsiaras referred to the serious problems caused by climate change in the beekeeping industry saying that “bees are not only honey producers, they are vital pollinators for the ecosystem”, calling for immediate action to support beekeepers and protect the natural environment.

Finally, the Minister of Rural Development and Food strongly supported the strengthening of biosecurity measures, placing special emphasis on the “One Health” approach, which promotes cooperation and efficiency.