The fact that subsidies will begin being disbursed within October to farmers and livestock breeders was assured today, Friday (10/10) by the Minister of Agricultural Development, Kostas Tsiaras, while he expressed hope that by the end of the year the largest portion will have been paid out. Specifically, as the minister said, speaking to OPEN, first the subsidies for organic farming and beekeeping will be paid, then the livestock breeders, and farmers affected by Daniel will follow.
Regarding the amounts heard as owed that exceed 1.2 billion euros, Kostas Tsiaras said that “such amounts do not exist” and added: “European resources were never frozen. The European Commission simply requested certain clarifications that are being provided and everyone will be paid.” He also said that “for the first time we are incorporating controls into payments.”
Kostas Tsiaras on pox outbreak: Not an easy matter, because the virus lives for over six months
Subsequently, when the minister was asked whether Mr. Varras should be removed from Maximos Mansion, following the pointed remarks he made about former minister Makis Voridis, the minister avoided answering, saying that “this is not a political question.”
Regarding the pox outbreak in sheep and goats, the Minister of Agricultural Development said that “it’s not an easy matter, because the main reason is that the virus lives for over six months. The ministry has sent clear instructions to the affected areas. Who implements them? The Regional services. Farmers are also responsible for biosecurity. Everyone involved must be consistent.”
However, Kostas Tsiaras ruled out implementing a lockdown at the present stage, noting that daily meetings are held to address the problem.
