Pella cherry producers protest over agricultural compensation

Cherry producers in the Pella region of Greece held protests on Saturday, October 10, to express strong opposition to a Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) regarding agricultural compensation. Farmers from Aridaia, Skydra, and Giannitsa gathered in a peaceful march toward Giannitsa to demand the withdrawal of the decision and the securing of fair compensation that reflects their actual losses.

The protesters expressed frustration that the current government decree provides significantly lower compensation amounts for the spring 2025 period than required. They also criticized the eligibility criteria, which they claim exclude many producers based on income levels. The farmers stated that their profession is becoming unsustainable due to rising production costs and market prices that fall below the cost of production.

In addition to seeking higher subsidies, the group is demanding a reduction in production costs and guaranteed minimum prices for their products. The protesters noted the absence of local Members of Parliament during their demonstration and have issued a ten-day ultimatum for a meeting with the Minister of Rural Development and Food and local representatives to secure binding commitments.