The article discusses the projected reduction of 1.2 million sheep and goats in Greece by 2025, linked to a recent scandal surrounding the misappropriation of funds in the Greek Agricultural Payment Agency (ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ). This scandal has spotlighted sheep and goats as central figures in a system of unlawful subsidies, raising questions about the integrity of agricultural funding in the country. The data from the Integrated Management and Control System (ΟΣΔΕ) indicates a decrease both in the declared livestock and the number of eligible VAT IDs, reflecting a concerning trend in the agricultural sector.

As the Greek government faces increasing pressure for transparency in agricultural subsidies, the revelations have turned this need into a governmental obligation. The decline in livestock numbers not only poses risks to the agricultural sector's viability but also challenges the government's ability to restore public trust in the management of EU funds. The need for reliable checks and a transparent subsidy system has never been more crucial, with farmers and stakeholders looking for solutions that ensure fair distribution of funds and bolster confidence in the system.

The implementation of electronic livestock recording is cited as a potentially critical step toward enhancing transparency in the management of agricultural resources. This initiative aims to address the gaps in accountability and streamline subsidy distributions. However, its success will largely depend on its execution and the ability to regain societal trust and ensure justice in the livestock sector, a vital component of Greece's agricultural economy.