After the hit of the novel coronavirus on the economy of Greece that brought many business sectors to a halt, the European Commission approved an urgent aid measure of €1 billion ($1.09 billion) in repayable advances to companies in dire need.
We cannot sell our products, we are in despair, we have started to dump them and we pay the workers only to get rid of the zucchinis since no one is buying them.- Stathis Gatzounas, a grower from Myrsini
Enterprises of all sectors can take advantage of the financial aid provided their activity was disrupted by the virus outbreak. The funds are to be disbursed by the Public Revenue Authority (AADE), bypassing banks and other financial institutions.
“This €1 billion Greek repayable advances scheme will help to ensure there is sufficient liquidity in the Greek economy,” said Margrethe Vestager, the executive vice president of the commission in charge of the competition policy of the Union. “It ensures that the companies which are most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak will continue their economic activity during and after the crisis.”
The aid program adheres to the Temporary Framework of the Commission, which stipulates that companies of the agricultural sector can receive a subsidy of up to €100,000 ($109,450). A maximum amount of €120,000 ($131,340) is available for enterprises of the fishery and the aquaculture sector, while businesses of all other sectors are eligible to receive up to €800,000 ($875,680) as subsidy.
Meanwhile, farmers in Greece have been complaining about their products remaining idle due to the closing of the entire HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants and catering) of the country.
Cretan farmers said supermarkets currently absorbs 30 percent of their production of fruits and vegetables with the rest being unsold since many eateries and other food services are closed, while their counterparts in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese have already discarded part of their fresh crop of strawberries and zucchinis due to limited demand.
“We cannot sell our products, we are in despair, we have started to dump them and we pay the workers only to get rid of the zucchinis since no one is buying them,” said Stathis Gatzounas, a grower from the Myrsini village in Ilia. “Everybody is dealing with other problems except that of the primary sector. Expenses are mounting and the only thing we can do is quit.”
Amid the protests, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that a total of €150 million ($164.05 million) is exclusively allocated as direct compensation for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen, although the funds have not yet been released.
Growers and producers have also appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the government’s decision prohibiting them from selling products in farmers’ markets held in other regions of the country due to traffic and transport restrictions.
Jan. 16, 2024
The Olive Tree and the Rise of Athens
The story of the divine competition for Athens reflects the ancient Greeks' reverence for wisdom, strategy and life's practical needs.
Aug. 29, 2023
No Respite in Greece as Wildfires Incinerate Ancient Olive Groves in Makri
Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in rural Greece, partially destroying the traditional Makri olive grove and leaving local producers in despair.
Nov. 27, 2023
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations.
Aug. 24, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Soar in Greece
The shortage of olive oil stocks in Europe and domestic inflation are pushing prices to new heights.
Jul. 26, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Associated with Successful Aging, Study Finds
Researchers found that Greeks who followed the Mediterranean diet were healthier and more active as they aged than those who followed the diet less closely.
Aug. 14, 2023
Unprecedented Heat Sparks More Wildfires Across Greece
Around 4,500 hectares of olive groves have been burned in wildfires across the country. The government promises aid, but farmers want something else.
Jan. 2, 2024
Greece to Provide Work Permits to 30,000 Migrants to Curb Labor Shortage
By easing vetting procedures for migrants already in the country, Athens plans to increase the agricultural workforce.
Jan. 29, 2024
In Search of Chill: Cool Nights Needed for Olive Trees in Greece
After warm spells decimated their harvests, producers in Greece are hoping for cool temperatures during critical growing stages this time around.