Measures to alleviate the plight of farmers and stockbreeders who are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic
14.4.2020
Question for written answer E-002248/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
The pandemic is placing a new burden on small and medium-sized farmers and stockbreeders who have already had to contend with the long-standing policy of Greek governments and the EU directed against ordinary working people (CAP, increased taxation, etc.).
Wholesalers, capitalising on the fact that producers of perishable products and sheep and goat farmers have their backs to the wall since they are unable to find a market for their products (e.g. lamb and kid meat, sheep and goat milk, fresh vegetables), are seizing this ‘opportunity’ to buy them at knock-down prices.
The ND government has allowed wholesalers and various industrialists-processors of agricultural products to benefit from favourable arrangements (NSRF funds, cheap loans, job subsidies, etc.), but has not taken any substantial measures to support small and medium-sized farmers. The supermarket groups with their trucks are loading fruit and vegetable products all over the country while producers for local markets are prevented from channelling their production to their customers due to restrictions on movement.
How does the Commission view urgent demands for:
- 1.The State to cover the losses of income and insurance contributions of struggling farmers affected by the pandemic and the producers for local markets?
- 2.The State to assume responsibility for channelling perishable products and kid and lamb meat to local markets at affordable prices that will also secure a basic income for the producer, without any profiteering by wholesalers and industrialists?
- 3.An immediate reduction in the price of electricity for farmers, a ban on cutting off the electricity supply for agricultural or domestic users, the immediate suspension of compulsory auctions of dwellings and of the seizure of property and all compulsory debt collection measures?