Greek farmers are set to launch a new wave of nationwide protests, preparing tractor blockades from 30 November to 5 December that could shut down key highways, including stretches of the crucial Athens–Thessaloniki route. The renewed mobilization comes despite the government beginning to pay overdue subsidies, a move farmers say does not address the underlying crisis affecting their income and production costs.
Representatives from farming groups say they intend to coordinate a unified push across the country, using roadblocks at strategic points to apply maximum pressure. Organizers emphasize that the action will culminate on Dec. 5, when simultaneous blockades are expected on national roads.
“We will mobilize across Greece on highways, border crossings, ports, and airports,” said Kostas Tzellas, a regional farming federation president. “We intend to press hard enough for the government to finally act”
Farmers argue that while delayed payments have finally reached about 82,000 producers, the real issue is that farm-gate prices fail to cover rising production costs. Many describe a widening gap between what they earn and what consumers pay.
“The problems are enormous,” said Giorgos Karaiskos, a representative from the cotton sector. “Prices don’t cover production costs, and we will demand change in the streets.”
Others highlight sharp price disparities. A representative from Messinia pointed to potatoes sold at €0.15 per kilo at the farm but priced at €1 in supermarkets. “This is robbery and profiteering,” he said.
Livestock Producers Join the Movement
Livestock producers are also uniting with crop farmers, saying they face their own severe pressures, highlighting the fallout from a sheep and goat pox outbreak that has led to the culling of 417,000 animals. They accuse the government of delays in rolling out needed support measures.
In a recent interview with public broadcaster ERT News, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said a “triple support package” is being finalized. It is expected to include compensation for culled animals, assistance for feed costs, and income-loss support for the coming year.
Farmers Set to Agree on Protest Start Date
The timeline for the nationwide tractor mobilization will be set on Nov. 25, when farmers in Serres convene a general assembly to decide when producers across the country will take to the streets.
