In a significant financial boost for farmers, the O.P.E.K.E.P.E. has disbursed €238,683,791.63 to 394,738 beneficiaries under the P3-71 intervention for 2024. This funding is part of the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, aimed at supporting areas facing natural or other specific disadvantages. The total amount requested by beneficiaries reached €264,841,610.52, highlighting the critical need for financial assistance in the agricultural sector as the new year approaches.
The latest updates on agricultural funding reveal significant developments in the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Greece. Authorities have announced the approval of eligible producers under Intervention P3-71, alongside a comprehensive monitoring process to ensure compliance with both national and EU regulations.This includes the enforcement of penalties and reductions as outlined in the CAP framework and relevant ministerial decisions. Stakeholders can now access a detailed table listing approved beneficiaries and their respective payment amounts,providing transparency and clarity in the distribution of funds. This initiative aims to support active farmers while maintaining rigorous oversight to enhance the agricultural sector’s sustainability.In a recent update, payments related to the “equalization subsidy” have been processed, with the recovery of erroneously disbursed funds from previous years. These payments, which are not associated with any other measures, have been sent to the bank, and the account credits for eligible recipients are nearing completion. Beneficiaries can access detailed payment calculation tables thru the online request using their unique codes.This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in the distribution of agricultural subsidies, notably benefiting young recipients who are entering the agricultural sector.ν το έτος 2006,αυτοί θα συμπεριληφθούν ως τελικοί δικαιούχοι στην δεύτερη κατάταξη δικαιούχων,ούτως ώστε όλοι στο σύνολό τους να έχουν συμπληρώσει το 18ο έτος της ηλικίας τους και να έχουν πλήρη δικαιοπρακτική ικανότητα την ημέρα της έκδοσης της απόφασης ένταξής τους.
Τέλος σχετικά με τις περιπτώσεις, που αφορούν σε κτηνοτρόφους, που εμπλέκονται σε μεταβίβαση βοσκοτοπικών δικαιωμάτων (μεταβιβαστές-αποδέκτες), οι οποίοι δεν συμπεριλήφθηκαν στην τρέχουσα πληρωμή λόγω μη κατανομής βοσκοτοπικών εκτάσεων, ο Οργανισμός βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία συμπληρωματικής κατανομής βοσκοτόπων, ώστε εντός ολίγων εβδομάδων να ολοκληρωθεί η καταβολή του συνόλου των ενισχύσεών τους.
ΥπIn a recent proclamation, stakeholders affected by payment results in Greece will have the opportunity to file an administrative appeal within a 10-working-day window. This period will commence from a date that is set to be disclosed shortly. this measure aims to ensure that eligible beneficiaries can contest decisions regarding their payments, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in financial processes. As the announcement unfolds,those impacted are encouraged to stay informed and prepared to act within the specified timeframe to safeguard their rights.
Time.news editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have an expert in agricultural economics, Dr. Elena Kostas, with us too discuss a very vital recent advancement concerning Greek farmers and the O.P.E.K.E.P.E. Let’s start with the recent news that O.P.E.K.E.P.E. has disbursed over €238 million to nearly 395,000 beneficiaries. Dr. Kostas, how important is this funding for farmers in greece?
Dr. Elena Kostas (EK): Thank you for having me. This disbursement is indeed significant. The €238,683,791.63 allocated under the P3-71 intervention for 2024 exemplifies Europe’s commitment to supporting its agricultural sector through the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023-2027. It is indeed critical for sustaining agricultural livelihoods, enhancing productivity, and ultimately supporting rural economies in Greece.
TNE: That’s good to hear, but there’s also been some recent controversy surrounding O.P.E.K.E.P.E.—specifically, reports that farmers are being asked to repay subsidies they had previously received. Can you shed some light on this situation?
EK: Certainly, this issue has caused quite a stir. Recently, farmers were caught off guard by demands from O.P.E.K.E.P.E. to repay aid they believed they had rightly received. It’s rooted in administrative errors and miscalculations by the agency.Politicians like Zeybek have raised this in Parliament, emphasizing the negative impact this has on farmers who rely on these payments for their economic stability. The timing is particularly concerning, as many farmers were expecting payments in October, wich have either been delayed or turned into requests for repayment [1[1[1[1].
TNE: How do you think this repayment demand affects farmers psychologically and economically?
EK: The psychological impact can be quite severe. Farmers often face high levels of stress due to market volatility and climate challenges, so unexpected financial demands can exacerbate feelings of insecurity and mistrust towards government institutions. Economically, if farmers are forced to repay subsidies, it could result in cash flow problems, limiting their ability to invest in seeds, equipment, or even managing their day-to-day operations EN.html”>[2[2[2[2]. providing additional support or transitional measures to those affected could help mitigate the financial impact while restoring trust.
TNE: And what do you think about the assurances given by Minister of Rural Development, Kostas Tsiaras, that O.P.E.K.E.P.E. payments will be made normally to entitled producers? Is this enough?
EK: While public assurances are a positive step, they need to be backed by action. Farmers want to see evidence that their concerns are being addressed, especially given past experiences of miscommunication and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Confidence will not be restored overnight but will require consistent,positive engagement from governmental agencies and a clear path forward to prevent future disruptions [3[3[3[3].
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kostas, for this insightful discussion. It’s clear that while the funding from O.P.E.K.E.P.E. is a positive development for Greek farmers, the challenges they face call for urgent attention and reform within the agency. Let’s hope for a resolution that safeguards the interests of our farmers.