Earlier this month, Greek farmers caused traffic chaos by blocking major roads to demand full payment of subsidies they are entitled to and better prices for their produce, according to the Associated Press.
Among the protesters were rice, corn, cotton and fruit growers, who have seen prices collapse recently, reported Agence France-Presse. In the Peloponnese, in the south of the country, citrus growers from Laconia and Argolis mobilised to defend the price of their products and threatened to head to Athens by tractor.
Last week, the government hosted a two-day meeting to discuss issues related to agriculture and farm aid reform. However, protesters called the meeting a “charade” and vowed to boycott it while blocking roads in areas such as central Athens, a main north-south highway and a border crossing with Bulgaria.
These roadblocks have paralysed much of the country. Fruit exporter Mitrosilis has experienced delays to its deliveries, according to export director Christos Mitrosilis, as its trucks have been forced to take smaller side roads to avoid the blockages.
“The biggest problems have been with trucks heading to Bulgaria and Romania,” he told Fruitnet.com. ”The borders have been the worst affected. Things are looking a bit better now, but some roadblocks are still in place.”
Over the last two months, Greece has experienced a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions, due to the explosion of its debt and deficit, meaning that there is little to give the farmers, according to the government.
Agriculture minister Katerina Batzeli commented: “There is no money at this point.” The government has estimated losses to Greek exporters, including farmers, at €200m.
