The 23-year-old farmer who drove the roadblocks and the government crazy with her fighting spirit has become a symbol of resilience and authenticity in Greece’s ongoing farmers’ protests. Anna Kampani, just 23 years old, has captured national attention with her humour, determination, and courage — challenging both stereotypes and the establishment. “I respond to the snide remarks with humour,” she says. “I tell them, ‘I drive the tractor better in heels.’”
As farmers across Greece strengthen their protest blockades — threatening to shut down airports and ports — Anna, a farmer’s daughter from Galatista, Halkidiki, joined her father on the front lines to stand with her community and draw attention to the economic hardships facing young farmers.
As farmers across Greece strengthen their protest blockades — threatening to shut down airports and ports — a new generation is stepping forward to explain why this movement matters, especially to younger people. Among them is Anna, a farmer’s daughter from Galatista, Halkidiki, who joined her father on the front lines in solidarity with their community’s struggle.
In a short video that went viral on social media, Anna described the brutal reality of agricultural life: “We sell wheat for 19 cents — it doesn’t even cover our costs. Even buying a coffee outside is a luxury.” Her candid honesty struck a chord, dispelling stereotypes that farmers live comfortably off subsidies.
Behind the viral moment, however, lies the story of a young woman who battles daily with both the land and society’s prejudices. She drives tractors, plants fields, and swings a hoe with determination — proof that farming is not just a man’s world.
“A woman working in agriculture still isn’t socially accepted,” Anna explains. “When people meet me and hear what I do, they’re surprised. They ask, ‘Do you really drive a tractor?’ or ‘You can’t possibly be working in the fields.’ Others dismiss it altogether, saying, ‘Oh, everyone calls themselves a farmer for the subsidies.’ But that’s not true.”
She laughs off such comments but admits that city dwellers often fail to understand the hard reality of agricultural life — unlike in rural Greece, where women farmers are now more visible, thanks partly to social media platforms like TikTok that showcase their daily routines.
Despite frequent doubt and mockery, Anna says it only fuels her resolve. “I’ve been underestimated many times,” she says. “But I try to get better every day while still taking care of myself. Women can do anything — I truly believe that.”
Recently, she spent over a month planting 650 fir trees across more than two acres of land. “I’d wake up at seven, be at the field by eight, and stay until late afternoon,” she recalls. “My father always told me, ‘The earth always rewards you, my child. If you take care of her, she will always give back. Never forget — you reap what you sow.’”
Through grit, humour, and authenticity, Anna Kampani has become a symbol of a new generation of Greek farmers — proud, resilient, and determined to make their voices heard.
