Agricultural subsidies: Only 4 out of 10 herders appeared for AADE inspection in Zonianá – Police forces present during checks

In a significant move to curb irregularities in agricultural subsidy distribution, Greek authorities conducted a large-scale, on-site inspection of livestock farmers in Zonianá, Crete. The operation, carried out by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) with substantial police presence, aimed to verify the declared livestock numbers used for subsidy applications.

“

The farmers who did not attend will lose the subsidies concerning the 2025 application and will be re-inspected in 2026. Moreover, if they have already received aid for 2025 based on the declared livestock, the amounts are considered unjustly paid and are immediately recovered.

The inspection revealed a low turnout, with only 75 out of 195 summoned farmers appearing for the audit, representing just 40% of the expected participants. AADE stated that farmers who failed to attend the inspection will forfeit their 2025 subsidies. Furthermore, if they have already received payments based on inflated animal counts, these amounts will be considered unjustly paid and will be immediately reclaimed. These non-attendees will also be excluded from receiving redistribution aid in subsequent years of the current program period.

The operation involved 58 AADE inspectors from across the country who simultaneously inspected the farmers' facilities. Significant police forces were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the checks, despite some tensions reported on the first day. Farmers were notified only a few hours before the process began, requiring them to gather their livestock and necessary documentation.

“

This is the first operation of this scale aimed at identifying cases where the conditions for receiving agricultural aid are artificially created.

Among the 75 farmers inspected, violations were identified in 22 cases. The findings are currently being cross-referenced with AADE's existing data using a special algorithm. Violators face potential loss of subsidies, depending on the audit results. This initiative is part of Greece's Action Plan, agreed upon with the European Commission, to ensure transparency and fair distribution of European funds. AADE's governor, Giorgos Pitsilis, confirmed that similar checks will continue nationwide.

“

The checks will continue throughout the country, aiming for transparency and fair distribution of European resources.