November is a payments month for farmers, as OPEKEPE is expected to disburse funds to beneficiaries. In fact, the first payment is expected to be made in the first week of this month. “Within the first week of November, the fuel excise tax refund on agricultural diesel will be paid, without a cap,” said Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Christos Kellas recently, speaking to ERT News.
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“During the month, the advance payment of basic support will be given, amounting to 550–600 million euros (70% of the total amount),” Mr. Kellas also noted, adding that “by the end of November, the 178 million euros from Measure 23 for production damages and 50 million euros for the restoration of plant capital in Thessaly will be paid.” “Fifteen days after the advance payment, ELGA compensations for spring frosts will also be paid,” he added.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: The OPEKEPE reform is the most difficult
“The OPEKEPE reform is the most difficult,” said Kyriakos Mitsotakis earlier in his Sunday post. “The Council of Ministers approved the draft law for the integration of the Greek Organization for Community Aid Payments into the Independent Authority for Public Revenue. This is a reform of strategic character, the most difficult reform I can remember, as it is a complex and bold process. We must change a sick system in motion while not endangering payments. From now on, AADE will manage the 2 European funds – the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The Organization’s staff is absorbed by the Independent Authority and their evaluation will be conducted under its supervision. This is a challenge we will win. I assure our farmers that we are making every possible effort to expedite the payment of compensations,” the prime minister emphasized.
