In assuring that there is no risk to the flow of agricultural subsidies, the minister Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, in the context of his participation in the Delphi Economic Forum.
At the same time, he referred to the 3 pillars on which the political leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development is based. In more detail, Schinas stressed that “I can put my hand on the fire that payments will continue“, clarifying that the transition to the new system is taking place without questioning the financing of producers.
As he explained, the process of changing the payment model is particularly challenging as “we are paying as we change“, describing it as an “extremely difficult” exercise. In fact, he said that some €250 million was paid out in Holy Week alone, while by the end of the year payments are estimated to approach €1 billion.
In this context, he outlined the three main “construction sites” of the policy in the primary sector. First, the “complete, radical, effective reorganisation of the payment system”, with the aim of moving to a new model through the PMO.
Second, the “construction site of the future”, namely the formulation of the new Common Agricultural Policy, where – as he noted – “Greece must have a say”.
And Third, the management of zoonoses, culminating in the foot-and-mouth crisis in Lesvos.
Specifically on the issue of grants, he stood on the importance of the country’s credibility vis-à-vis the European institutions, noting that “if Greece gains credibility through the reorganisation of the payments system, our voice will be heard clearly and effectively“.
Referring to the concerns of farmers about abandonment of the activity, Schinas attempted to send a message of optimism, stressing that “the primary sector in Greece is the story that has not yet been told“, referring to a field with significant untapped potential. Besides, he was particularly impressed by his symbolic reference to his own office at the Ministry, which – as he described it – has “a hole in the floor” that has not been repaired.
He said he intends to keep it as a reminder of “the asymmetry that exists between a ministry that brings in 2.5 billion euros a year to the country and the picture it presents”.
With regard to treating animal diseases, Schinas described mouth fever as the “covid of animals, times 10“, which if not controlled at the point where it occurs, could destroy not only the region but the entire livestock industry in the country.
He referred to “a daily battle” that is in full swing, stressing that the strategy being pursued is based on vigilant surveillance and controls. “We have exhaustive controls,” he noted, while calling on cattle farmers “to keep their cool” and to cooperate with the authorities.
She also made a specific reference to the issue of vaccination, clarifying that “the Greek government does not exclude any option“, however, at this stage “the emphasis must be on surveillance and controls and on slaughter“, as vaccination “does not replace the loss of animals”.
As regards the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Schinas expressed the view that its operation is an integral part of the country’s European course and recalled that Greece has consciously chosen to participate in European control mechanisms.
In conclusion, Mr. Schinas acknowledged that past problems have damaged the image of the ministry, insisting, however, that the changes underway are aimed precisely at correcting these pathologies.
