Greek agricultural crop losses from extreme weather

Agricultural producers in Greece are reporting significant losses across multiple sectors due to consecutive extreme weather events. In the Rodopi region, cotton production has seen a sharp decline, with yields dropping from an expected 450 kg per stremma to approximately 250 kg. Farmers cite a combination of prolonged winter rains and heavy autumn storms as the primary causes. The Spartakos Agricultural Association of Komotini has requested intervention from ELGA to assess damages and address debts.

In the Pelion region, chestnut producers are facing an economic crisis caused by prolonged drought and high temperatures, which resulted in small fruit size, followed by heavy autumn rains that caused the fruit to split. This has compromised both the quality and marketability of the harvest, with reports indicating marketable production has decreased by more than 30%.

In response, local agricultural federations and associations, including those in Magnesia and Xourichti, have organized protests and requested meetings with the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. While regional officials are seeking economic support and experts are conducting inspections to document the extent of the damage, the Ministry is still evaluating requests and has not yet announced specific compensation amounts or timelines.