During the opening of the 31st international Agrotica exhibition, Greece's Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, emphasized the government's commitment to support farmers affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He acknowledged that this situation could potentially disrupt agricultural production and assured attendees that the government is actively monitoring the impacts and seeking immediate solutions, drawing parallels to prior support measures during the Ukrainian war and the Covid-19 pandemic. Tsiaras reassured that the government will not merely observe the developments but will engage proactively with the agricultural community to mitigate the challenges ahead.

Tsiaras outlined a series of new measures to alleviate production costs and enhance farmers' net income. These include a reduction of VAT on animal feed and fertilizers to 6%, reduced VAT on agricultural machinery, and full reimbursement of the Special Consumption Tax (excise tax) on agricultural diesel. He highlighted that this coordinated effort reflects the government’s strategy to ensure financial stability for farmers during these turbulent times, particularly as the global agricultural landscape is impacted by external conflicts.

The Minister’s statements come at a crucial time when agricultural industries in Europe are facing multiple challenges, from supply chain disruptions to rising input costs exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. By pledging support and implementing these financial measures, the Greek government aims to fortify its agricultural sector against the uncertainties posed by both local and international crises, signaling its dedication to sustaining the livelihoods of farmers in Greece amidst a volatile global economy.