The Minister of Rural Development and Food spoke about the impact of duties and climate crisis on the Greek economy and agricultural products. Konstantinos Tsiarafin 10th Delphi Economic Forum carried out in Delphi from April 9 to 12.
The minister stressed that the climate crisis along with duties affect the prices of agricultural products, which in no way meet the expectations of farmers.
In terms of tariffs, he said they influence Europe as a whole, and so in Greece, as they hit exporting agricultural products. He added that this is a huge challenge at European level for both the primary and the secondary sector, and that important decisions should be made.
On the impact of duties in our country, Mr Tsiaras acknowledged that there is a number of agricultural and livestock products, such as olives, olive oil, wine and feta affected, but estimated that there would be special trade agreements between Greece and the US in the future. This is due to the fact that if imports from Greece and other Mediterranean states are interrupted, America’s needs are not possible. Consequently, a dialogue with the US is expected to follow.
But apart from the US, Greece could consider exports to other countries, such as India, the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates, stressing that our country is ready to consider this possibility, as we live in a free economy.
Regarding the European Union, she pointed out that policies should be redefined, as it is the perfect opportunity to produce its own products and rely on its own markets. This will stop the imports from third food countries that the Old Epirus is abundant.
For state support for the climate crisis, he stressed that ELGA has been given 1.6 billion euros in compensation, although the organization has not yet received half, and the OPEKEPE’s proper operation is also a personal bet. In addition, he stressed that funding by the European Union since the 1980s has in no way negatively affected farmers, but it remains a problem that there is no plan and initiative for agricultural productive products.
Regarding the future of funding by farmers by the European Union, he said there is no concern, but our country should be ready with proposals when he is called upon to discuss Europe’s re -equipment program and the wars of the war in Ukraine.