Greek farmers prepare tractors for Thessaloniki International Fair protests

Greek farmers are revving up their tractors and preparing for a significant show of force at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). A nationwide meeting is scheduled at the Cultural Center of Malgara to strategize and organize their participation in the event, which opens on September 5.

“

We are determined to fight for our survival and for a change in the situation in the primary sector until the end and we are determined to take to the streets again for protests.

Representatives from across Greece's primary sector will convene to discuss mobilization plans, with a central focus on a large-scale rally coinciding with the TIF's inauguration. The possibility of tractors appearing on Thessaloniki's streets is being considered as part of their demonstration.

Kostas Sefis, president of the Alexandros Agricultural Association of Kyminon Malgaron, expressed the farmers' resolve. "We are determined to fight for our survival and for a change in the situation in the primary sector until the end, and we are determined to take to the streets again for protests," he told ThessPost.gr.

“

Uncultivated 2,000 acres in Halastra. The non-resolution of problems has 'crippled' families who dedicated their lives to cultivating the land, forcing them to abandon it.

Sefis highlighted the severe consequences of unresolved issues, pointing to 2,000 acres of uncultivated land in Halastra. "The non-resolution of problems has 'crippled' families who dedicated their lives to cultivating the land, forcing them to abandon it," he stated. He described the situation as dire, with many leaving the profession and 60 families in Halastra alone ceasing cultivation, leaving vast tracts idle. "None of the problems that led us to the streets those two months have been resolved; nothing has been implemented."

“

The situation is very bad in the agricultural world, many have left the profession. In Halastra, at least 60 families have left cultivation and now there are 2,000 acres uncultivated. None of the problems that led us to the streets those two months have been resolved; nothing has been implemented.

The situation has reportedly worsened, with farmers facing liquidity shortages, systemic problems, and a lack of communication from officials. Sefis noted that thousands of colleagues have yet to receive subsidy payments from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). The system for filing declarations is not ready, delaying payments expected in late October for those who complete their submissions by September 15.

“

Even today, there are thousands of colleagues who have not received subsidies to date and have not been paid due to subsidies from the AADE. They are so disorganized that we cannot find out where the system is stuck and they have not even provided information on why the payments are not being made.