Farmers seek support for this year΄s olive crop failure

A protest took place on Thursday morning at the former prefecture by a few members of the Federation of Corfu Agricultural Associations (OASK), as part of the nationwide protest regarding issues related to olive cultivation.

They stated that this year is evolving into one of the most challenging due to the failure of the olive crop. In Corfu, areas that had no harvest last year, and were expected to have one this year, remain barren.

"Due to the nationwide phenomenon of crop failure, it is estimated that farmers will lose around 1 billion Euros from the production of olive oil that did not happen due to this situation,"  said Spyros Samoilis, a member of the Board of Directors of Lefkimmi Agricultural Association. "This year is unfruitful in Corfu. We had a harvest last year. However, there are areas, such as Liapades, where the olive trees have not yielded for three years."

They stated that although there was a harvest last year, the pest control did not take place in a timely manner. As a result, despite the overall good production, it was less than what was expected.They requested timely planning for pest control in the new, productive year to avoid spoiling the olive crop and, consequently, affecting production.

Economic difficulties

The farmers stressed that the economic squeeze is tightening for them. Their income has shrunk, production costs have increased, fertilizers are more expensive, and this year has been unfruitful in Corfu.

Additionally, as Mr. Samoilis stated, the first installment of subsidies given to farmers was cut by 50%-60%, causing significant setbacks for them as it is directly related to their income. He noted that if the government does not compensate the income of olive growers, rural areas will collapse, and olive cultivation, combined with the high production costs and subsidy cuts, may be abandoned on a large scale.

For this purpose, the farmers are requesting compensation for the confirmed failure of the olive crop, with a payment of 200 Euros per stremma. They are also advocating for the proper and comprehensive implementation of the pest control programme, a reduction in production costs, a decrease in the price of agricultural electricity, improvement of rural infrastructure, elimination of VAT on fertilizers, and more.

Larissa

According to the secretary of the Federation of Corfu Agricultural Associations, Mante Leftherioti, the federation, which has 600 members, will actively participate in the nationwide meeting of agricultural associations and federations organised by the Nationwide Committee of Blockades on Sunday, December 10, in Larissa. The purpose is to discuss significant issues and collectively decide on the escalation of protests. Additionally, the Federation of Corfu Agricultural Associations will take part in the demonstration organised by Corfu Workers Centre on December 15 at 6 p.m. regarding the budget.

Statements from the secretary of the Federation of Corfu Agricultural Associations, Mante Leftherioti and Spyros Samoilis, a member of the Board of Directors of Lefkimmi Agricultural Association:

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI

Photos/Videos: Enimerosi