Crete agriculture faces crisis amid rising costs and competition

The primary sector in Crete, specifically viticulture and olive growing, is facing a critical period due to rising production costs, international competition, and climate change. Regional official Priamos Ieronymakis has warned that the island's vineyards face a risk of disappearance if institutional support for island-specific characteristics is not recognized within the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Challenges include fragmented land holdings, mountainous terrain, high transport costs, and increased irrigation needs. These factors, combined with declining subsidies for perennial crops over the last decade, have led to a reduction in cultivated areas and a departure of younger generations from the industry.

The current viticulture season is characterized by high quality but significantly reduced volumes for both raisins and grapes. Producers are facing intense competition from cheaper imports, particularly raisins from China and Iran. While grape prices for the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Heraklion are considered satisfactory by some, the wine market remains difficult due to competition from low-cost imported wines.