‘The major is to ensure the flow of European funding’
The Minister of Rural Development and Food had a meeting with the farmers of Boeotia, Costas Tsiaras, As part of their mobilization during the presentation of the government development plan for Boeotia.
During the meeting, the minister made it clear that the problems were solved with dialogue rather than tensions.
Indeed, he noted that the government is trying to secure the major for Greek farmers “and the major is to safeguard the flow of European funding”.
Mr Tsiaras stressed that we are at a critical time for the future of the primary sector. “This is dictated by the absolute need for our country to adapt to European data so that there is a flow of European resources. Our problem is not to be wronged by the honest people who, with great effort, are trying to survive in the primary sector. “
He also stressed that the aim is to continue the flow of European resources, adding that the process of transitioning OPEKEPE to AADE creates delays in payments.
However, he said, every effort is made to make the necessary checks and ultimately to give the farmers the money they are entitled to. “I believe in the primary sector and especially in Greek,” Mr Tsiaras said. At this point, he reiterated that they were needed by all patience, so that there are no phenomena of the past, “which brought us to this difficult situation”.
Regarding payments, he said that for Measure 23 the objections are completed and will begin immediately.
At the same time, he pledged that, by 15 October, payments are expected to begin for programs for which the payment has been delayed, due to the extensive cross -checks.
Referring to the sheep and goats, Mr Tsiaras emphasized the need for faithful observance of the measures that have been announced. “We have no chance to work and not comply with bio -security measures. We want the cooperation of all stakeholders, “he commented.
In conclusion, the Minister of Rural Development and Food said that the Prime Minister’s mandate is to create the conditions, in order to support the primary sector in every way. “Our goal is to remain the primary sector, the protagonist of economic activity in order to enhance social cohesion and keep the Greek region alive,” he said.
In addition, during the presentation of the Government Development Plan for Boeotia, Mr Tsiaras captured the presence of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in Boeotia. In particular, through the Rural Development Program 2014-2022 and the SS. CAP have been supported by 12,947 beneficiaries, with a total budget of 177 million euros, while 16 investment plans of 15.1 million euros are implemented through the recovery fund. Over the last five years, ELGA’s compensation in Boeotia amounted to € 12.6 million, while compensatory compensation supported 10,342 farmers with € 22.78 million. At the same time, organic farming is boosted with € 11.12 million and 559 young farmers receive € 9.74 million for the start of their activity.
The minister made a special reference to the irrigation projects that change the productive landscape of the area -from the Livadia network and the irrigation of Orchomenos to telemetry and water saving projects. Particular progress is also made on the agricultural road, with 4 projects totaling EUR 1.82 million and 22 new proposals of more than 15 million euros.
Boeotia, he said, “is an area that will lead the green transition, with modern crops, exportable products and a strong local identity.”
Tension with farmers
Earlier, Boeotian farmers who had gathered outside Livadia in the morning had a strong confrontation with the police forces, demanding that they reach their tractors to the administration. The farmers broke the first police officer and went on a protest, and there were small episodes shortly before the Gate of the Administration.
Tension also prevailed during the arrival of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr Tsiara, when farmers invaded the administration and surrounded the minister. The situation was reluctant when Mr Tsiaras met with a delegation of farmers, with which the issues raised by the farmers were discussed in detail, was reported by the EIA.