Greek Agriculture Minister Schinas Announces €1.1 bn Farm Payments and Land Ownership Reform

Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas, speaking at the EU Council of Agriculture in Brussels, said the new direct‑payment system has already disbursed €1.1 billion to Greek farmers, with a similar amount expected by the end of the year. He highlighted the resolution of a long‑standing public‑land issue, granting beneficiaries the right to formalise ownership of land they have cultivated for decades.

Schinas also announced an €80 million allocation for small‑scale irrigation projects to be implemented by municipalities across Greece. In addition, he noted a total fertilizer assistance package of €61 million – €41 million from the European Commission and €20 million from national funds – aimed at supporting the primary sector amid difficult geopolitical conditions. The minister thanked the EU Commission for its technical support and pledged continued reforms to ensure transparent and effective distribution of agricultural resources.