During a meeting with the American Ambassador to Athens, Geoffrey Pyatt, the Greek Minister of Agricultural Development and Food, Makis Voridis, requested that Greece be excluded from potential tariffs imposed on agricultural products imported in the US from the European Union as retaliation to EU subsidies to Airbus.
Voridis said that the close relations Greece and the United States have developed in the context of the strategic dialogue justify the exemption.
He also specified that mainly the small producers of Greece would be affected by the tariffs.
“This is a trade war that does not relate to Greece,” he stated. “On the contrary, the possibility of tariffs on farm products of Greek interest — such as olive oil, table olives, fruit preserves and frozen cherries — will harm the income of a large number of small-scale producers.”
There was no official response from Ambassador Pyatt to the minister’s request. The two also discussed the collaboration of Rutgers University of New Jersey with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki and the Agricultural University of Athens on agriculture for young farmers and alternative tourism training programs.
Related Articles
Oct. 31, 2024
Turkey Lifts Ban on Bulk Olive Oil Exports
The move comes when stocks are high in Turkey and non-existent in Europe. Another bumper harvest is expected.
Oct. 17, 2024
Major Olive Oil Producer Loses $3M in Spate of Thefts
The CHO Group experienced warehouse thefts in Canada and the United States, with some stolen olive oil appearing at discounted prices.
Aug. 13, 2024
Spanish Growers Eye Indian Market for Table Olives
A report emphasizes catering to local consumer preferences to capitalize on India's rapidly expanding economy and demand for healthy foods.
Oct. 18, 2024
Trump’s Tariff Proposals Would Sting U.S. Olive Oil Consumers
Whether there is a ten- or 60-percent tariff on all imported goods, most observers believe olive oil will become more expensive, and consumers will pay the difference.
May. 7, 2024
Olive Oil Export Ban Sours Table Olive Sales in Turkey
While table olive exports soared in the first five months of the 2023/24 campaign, the ban on olive oil exports is blamed for holding the sector back.
Dec. 18, 2023
Reflections on 45 Years Championing Italian Olive Oil in America
Nearly half of a century after a chance encounter with an Italian olive oil producer, John J. Profaci looks back on his role in the American market.
Aug. 7, 2024
Hazara’s Olive Oil Boom Lays Roadmap for Pakistani Sector
Systematic grafting and planting programs, new mills and efforts to educate farmers and millers have resulted in a rapid rise in production in one critical Pakistani region.
Nov. 15, 2024
Spanish Table Olive Sector on Edge After Trump Election Win
Spain's black table olive producers, already reeling from tariffs imposed during the first Trump administration, fear more are on the horizon.