Greece faces deadline over delayed farm payments

Greece indispensable submit a revised enactment program for the cognition of the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE) by November 4, officials said, amid mounting concerns successful the cultivation sector.

The bureau has informally halted payments for three months, leaving 598 cardinal euros owed to farmers for 2024 subsidies. Delays impact beforehand payments of the single assistance scheme, usually disbursed successful October, totaling astir 500 cardinal euros.

A elder Agriculture Ministry authoritative said: “We are trying to negociate payments earlier the holidays. Otherwise, the occupation will beryllium very large.” The European Commission had initially acceptable an Octοber 2 deadline for a caller plan, aboriginal extended aft August delays.

EU authorities request capable controls and documentation earlier releasing funds. Pending payments see ecological and integrated subsidies, catastrophe support, and programs for uncommon livestock breeds, straining farmers’ quality to acquisition fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.