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.
Oct. 31, 2023
Global Olive Oil Production Set for Second Straight Year of Decline
The world’s seven largest olive oil-producing countries are expected to yield 1.97 million tons in the 2023/24 crop year, 23 percent below the average of the previous four campaigns.
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.
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. 31, 2023
Higher Consumption of Polyphenols Linked to Lower Risk of Contracting Covid-19
Healthy adults who consumed phenols and plant sterols, some of which are present in olive oil, were less likely to contract Covid-19.
Mar. 19, 2024
Registration of Kalamata Olives as Intellectual Property Renews Controversy in Greece
The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.
Sep. 18, 2023
Storms in Greece Flood Olive Groves, Damage Trees
Heavy rain and hailstorms swept across Greece, damaging olive trees ahead of the upcoming harvest and raising concerns over the spread of disease.
Apr. 9, 2024
The Farm-to-Table Restaurant Bringing the Cretan Diet Back in Vogue
The owner and managers of Peskesi are working to reintroduce the Cretan diet to locals and tourists alike.
Jul. 6, 2023
This Small but Mighty Producer Takes a Traditional Cretan Variety to New Heights
Award-winning Silvergreen elevates the products of Crete via the Tsounati, a delicate but rewarding olive variety native to the Greek island.