The agricultural payments begins on Monday (6/29), as announced by the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas.
Payments will be made through the new structure of the AADE, while in the coming days, the payment of 20 million euros to rice producers through de minimis.
Payments through the new AADE structure
Speaking to ERT, the minister announced that the first major payment will be made on Monday, even hinting that the total amount will be higher than what producers expect.
“The large payment package will be made on Monday. I believe we will pleasantly surprise everyone with Monday’s amount,” he said.
At the same time, he emphasized that the payments will not be made through the old mechanism of OPEKEPE, but through the new structure being established at the AADE.
“We will disburse this amount through the new system, not through the old OPEKEPE. Through this new structure that we are now building with patience and perseverance—namely, the AADE.”
De minimis aid for rice and compensation for the European rabbitfish
Margaritis Schinas also announced that on Monday or Tuesday, 20 million euros will be paid to rice producers through the de minimis program, as aid for the losses they suffered in previous years.
“On Monday or Tuesday, we will pay 20 million in aid for rice through the de minimis program. This is a result of the damage suffered in recent years. In the long run, there is a more fundamental solution, which is to incorporate this entire sector into a major regional development program, as the Spanish did in Valencia.”
Referring to the reform of the payment system, he made it clear that the audits will not stop.
“Audits will continue because they are the only way to assure the actual beneficiaries that they will not lose money.”
As he noted, those eligible for the aid have no reason to worry.
“The actual beneficiaries have nothing to fear from this reform,” he added: “For the first time, I believe that all farmers will know what they’re getting and when they’re getting it, and those who aren’t receiving payments will know what they need to correct in order to receive them.”
The minister also referred to the program to combat the rabbit-head, noting that compensation will be set at 5.33 euros per kilogram.
“5.33 euros per kilogram. A net price exclusively for fishermen who catch these non-native species. If we need to extend this to the rest of the country, we’ll do so in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment. The fishermen will catch the fish, the regional authorities will take the next steps, and we will pay.”
On the political side of the interview, Margaritis Schinas estimated that the next national elections will take place in spring, while also choosing to send a clear political message in support of the government.
“I believe the elections will take place in the spring. This is my personal assessment,” he said, adding: “When Greek voters go to the polls, they will make their decision based on one criterion: ‘who can steer the ship in a difficult world.’ And the answer is obvious: ‘Kyriakos and New Democracy’.”
