Greek farmers have formally submitted a comprehensive list of demands to the government, placing strong emphasis on their opposition to the transfer of oversight and control of OPEKEPE—the agency responsible for agricultural subsidies—to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
The demands were finalised during a nationwide farmers’ meeting in Nikaia and sent to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Despite the ongoing investigation into large-scale subsidy fraud within OPEKEPE and the filing of felony charges against 15 individuals, farmers insist that the agency should remain outside the control of the tax authority.
At the centre of their demands are guaranteed minimum prices for agricultural products, electricity for agricultural use capped at seven cents per kilowatt-hour, tax-free fuel, and the abolition of VAT on farming supplies. They also call for the immediate payment of all outstanding government debts to farmers and compensation for income losses expected in 2025 due to falling prices.
Farmers are additionally demanding changes to ELGA regulations to ensure full compensation for crop and livestock losses, major infrastructure projects such as irrigation and flood protection, and the return of misappropriated subsidy funds to legitimate beneficiaries. They argue that farmers should not bear the financial burden of penalties resulting from past fraud.
The government has confirmed receipt of the demands, with officials reiterating that the integration of OPEKEPE into AADE remains non-negotiable as part of efforts to reform and modernise the agricultural subsidy system. Farmers, however, have rejected renewed invitations for dialogue and have warned of continued and intensified nationwide blockades in the coming days.
