“We are solving a chronic problem, a real breath for the country’s farmers,” said Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras in an interview with SKAI and journalist Faye Mavragani. Referring to the arrangements for red loans, the minister noted that “the government, for the first time, methodically and decisively, is moving forward with a framework that deletes decades of burdens for our farmers.”

The bill concerns more than 700 agricultural cooperatives and about 21,000 farmers. “We are talking about loans that have been stagnant for decades, old loans, most of the 2000s, which have tanned the lives of our farmers. These loans are the opportunity to defrost, liberate property and give a breath to production, “the minister said.

In the context of new settings:

  • There is a brave deletion of part of the loan capital through a compromise, allowing farmers to acquire sustainable service conditions.
  • Settlements are introduced based on the real financial potential of debtors, taking into account the particularities of each producer.
  • The process is supervised by the Committee of Special Liquidations, while the Bank of Greece ensures transparency through the submission of business plans by the liquidators.
  • Loan cases are exclusively entrusted to specialized managers, with a deep knowledge of the needs of the rural world.

“For the first time in the history of the Greek state we see such brave regulations. This is a reality that our farmers deserve. Because, yes, it is difficult to cultivate in our country with the challenges of the world market and the consequences of the climate crisis, “the minister said.

Actions to support production

In his interview, the Minister of Rural Development and Food proceeded with a detailed record of the support provided by the Government:

He emphasized that “for the first time, 100% of the special tax consumption tax is returned to farmers”.

Concerning the rural current, he pointed out that “we have locked a low price at 0.093 euros per kilowatt -hour, securing stability and reducing production costs”.

Regarding the compensation in Thessaly, he noted: “More than 700 million euros have already been given to compensation. These are amounts that have never been given again in the history of the Greek state. ELGA in just one year gave 290 million euros. “

“I want to make it clear that the ministry’s door is always open. I am here, like my partners, to hear the concerns of the rural world and find solutions together. The agricultural sector is the backbone of our country, and we are not going to leave anyone alone, “the minister concluded.