«Today's very substantial and frank meeting with representatives of farmers from all over the country has opened a new path for our primary sector,’ Kyriakos Mitsotakis said after the meeting with representatives of farmers and livestock farmers at the Maximou Mansion.
«The measures already taken by the government have been specified, some new proposals have also been accepted, such as the extension of the beneficiaries of low electricity prices and a first approach for a more productive upgrading of our agricultural policy as a whole,» the Prime Minister said.
«I recall that the reform of OPEKEPE has already borne its first fruits, with the completion of all this year's payments, even with amounts higher than last year's, while their fairer distribution has secured additional funds. These additional funds will now be used to support low-priced crops and our farmers who were hit by smallpox. But not only that. In addition, our farmers will have the lowest electricity tariff in Europe. Now, those who are in regulation and who have proved themselves to be consistent for a year will also be included in the same scheme. Also, our farmers will no longer pay Special Tax on oil and, from today, not even the VAT on this rebate. ELGA's compensation payments are being accelerated and, as discussed at the meeting, there will be a special provision for loss of income in the production of plant feed negatively affected by smallpox in sheep and goats,« he continued.
And he underlined: «You know that from the very first moment the government showed great tolerance to the farmers’ mobilizations, recognizing the great existing problems. That is why, moreover, it has responded to many of their demands, while always asking for an honest dialogue, such as the one we have had today. Unfortunately, however, a party minority is insisting on some of the blockades, openly blackmailing society. However, after 45 days this suffering cannot continue. The government has exhausted the strength of the economy, supporting the farmers as never before. However, it has also exhausted the limits of its understanding of a sector that it has stood by for years. Therefore, we will not tolerate blackmail, illegalities or absurdities. And, of course, we will not do injustice to the rest of society. This is the direction that the government will follow from now on, faithful to the truth and to the result, with doors always open to mature and honest dialogue, but also hermetically closed to lies, populism and threats of all kinds. This is exactly the path shown by today's productive meeting with our farmers and stockbreeders‘.
