Since late November, thousands of Greek farmers have taken to the roads in massive tractor convoys, blocking highways, border crossings and even occupying airports on Crete 🚜✈️. This growing protest is all about delayed agriculture payments and the struggle to stay afloat.
Senior unionist Sokratis Alifteiras says there are over 20,000 tractors on the move—possibly close to 25,000—and this Wednesday they plan to block the port of Volos by land and sea.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s conservative government has been under fire for a farm subsidy scandal investigated by EU authorities, which has pushed back payments to tens of thousands of growers.
Farmers face low market prices, soaring energy costs⚡ and a recent sheep pox outbreak. “Produce prices are so low that it costs more to grow crops than we earn,” says tobacco and cotton grower Vaios Tsiakmakis.
At a roadblock near Larissa, cotton farmer Iordanis Ioannidis warns the sector has hit rock bottom. “The government is only paying what’s owed from 2023… there’s no political will to help us,” he says.
Pear farmer Evripides Katsaros sums it up: “It costs €31,000 to produce my crop, but I only earn €27,000. We’re fighting for survival 💸.”
The government has pledged extra funds for legitimate farmers, but tensions remain high as growers push for immediate relief.
Reference(s):
Greek government moves to address farmer protests after Crete clashes
cgtn.com
