Margaritis Schinas assured that no eligible farmer will lose subsidies, presenting the reform of payments with European support from Italy.
The reform of the agricultural payments system and the transition to the new model through the AADE were the focus of the meeting between Minister of Rural Development and Food Margaritis Schinas and the Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, who visited Athens accompanied by the management of the payment agency AGEA.
Schinas – Transparent and swift payments
Mr. Schinas described the restructuring of the agricultural aid as one of the most significant reforms in the primary sector, noting that for the first time this year, payments are being made through the new system.
As he stated, the adaptation of the AADE to the requirements of agricultural subsidies is a complex but necessary process, aimed at creating a system that will operate with greater efficiency, speed and transparency.
At the same time, he sent a clear message to the agricultural community, emphasizing that “no Greek farmer will lose what they are entitled to”. As he emphasized, the transition to the new model does not affect the actual beneficiaries of the subsidies, while he added that only those who are not entitled to payments have cause for concern.
European support for OPEKEPE changes
The Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida expressed strong support for the Greek government’s initiatives, noting that close cooperation between the two countries’ payment agencies is already underway.
According to him, the cooperation includes the exchange of expertise, information, and best practices, with the aim of ensuring a smooth transition to the new system. He even expressed his conviction that the reform will achieve its goals, so that “everyone is paid in a short period of time and those who are entitled to be paid are paid.”
Mr. Lollobrigida also stressed that Italy stands by Greece during the transition period, offering technical and institutional support for the endeavor.
A united front for the new CAP and the primary sector
During the meeting between the two delegations, developments surrounding the new Common Agricultural Policy were also discussed, with both sides agreeing on the need to maintain strong funding for the primary sector after 2028.
Greece and Italy emphasized that the next CAP must reduce bureaucracy, boost competitiveness, investment and innovation, while particular emphasis was placed on supporting young farmers and creating greater added value in agricultural production.
Also on the table were issues concerning the protection of high-quality agrifood products from the Mediterranean, as well as the need for closer cooperation among Mediterranean countries in view of the European negotiations on the future of agricultural policy and the EU budget.
