Lebanon: Greece does not face a problem of food security

The assurance that Greece does not face a problem of food security was given by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Spilios Libanos, speaking to SKAI and Nikos Andritsos.

“We do not have a problem of food security in our country. We have the production machine and infrastructure to have what we need. Such problems may arise in other countries. We do not have such problems, but we anticipate and work in this direction so that at any time “We are ready to do what we have to do. We do everything. But so far, despite the fact that we are facing multiple crises, we are doing what we have to do adequately,” said Mr. Libanos.

Asked about the increase in production costs, he noted that the price increases come from abroad and that the government is trying in every way to support the Greek producer and recalled the measures that have been taken.

Specifically:

– We suspended the payment of Utility Charges (SGI) for agricultural enterprises by submitting an amendment together with the Ministry of Environment.

– We reduced the VAT in animal feed from 13% to 6%.

– We apply from 2022, for the first time, after 2016, the refund of excise duty on oil for cooperative producers, producers involved in contract farming and young farmers and stockbreeders, ie about 200,000 farmers in total.

Regarding the increase of the price of fertilizers, Mr. Libanos pointed out that the farmers organized in groups and cooperatives can and do buy at lower prices and the aim of the government and the ministry is to strengthen the effort to enter as many farmers as possible. in collective schemes.

Regarding the controls on the market, he stressed that they have intensified and in the direction of protection of products, producers and consumers, the bill on PDO / PGI is moving. Mr. Libanos noted that during SYRIZA not a single fine had been imposed on those who committed violations. He described the PDO products as the showcase of the country and we must protect them. Strict penalties and continuous checks are provided. This is how we protect both producers and consumers.

Mr. Libanos referred to the 851 million payments made yesterday by OPEKEPE and the 71 million made by ELGA for the “spring frost ΄21” and stressed that the government, within the framework of the country’s financial capabilities, supports the real farmers, who are the first to be affected by the climate crisis.