The assurance that there will be no problem in the payment of the linked aid for cotton, due to the reduced production in Thessaly, due to Daniel, was given by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, in an interview on SKAI radio.
It is noted that, due to Daniel, many crops could not yield the expected production, resulting in not meeting the ceiling, to be included in the coupled aid measure.
In Thessaly, after Daniel, there is the phenomenon of some crops having a good production and right next to them not at all.
To redefine the ceiling, however, the ginning period must be completed and production must be balanced.
As pointed out in a related announcement, the minister, in response to a question from a farmer from Farsala, assured him that no issue would be raised with the affiliate. “I’m telling you in advance. We will do everything necessary and possible to avoid such issues. However, it is of great importance to see the future of agricultural production in Thessaly” he said characteristically. At the same time, the farmer raised the issue of the carbon footprint of production.
Mr. Tsiaras reminded that there are discussions with Interprofessional Vamvakos, noting that it is a important measure to support cotton cultivation and, at the same time, reducing the carbon footprint. He referred to the special denitrification program for Thessaly and the Evros, implemented by the government with an additional 100 million euros to the 50 million euros program that was already being implemented and said that a similar logic would also exist in the footprint reduction measure of coal, provided that there is no complication with European legislation.
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**Interview with Kostas Tsiaras, Minister of Rural Development and Food**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Tsiaras. There’s been considerable concern among farmers in Thessaly regarding the linked aid for cotton production, especially after the recent impact of Daniel on their crops. Can you elaborate on the government’s stance on ensuring these payments?
**Kostas Tsiaras:** Absolutely. I assure our farmers that, despite the reduced production, there will be no issues with the linked aid payments. The effects of Daniel led to inconsistencies in crop yields, but we’re committed to supporting our agricultural sector through this challenge.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s a complex situation arising where neighboring fields could have drastically different yields. How does this affect the assessment for the coupled aid measure?
**Kostas Tsiaras:** That’s correct. To redefine the aid ceiling, we need to complete the ginning period and address the imbalances in production. The focus is on achieving a fair outcome for all farmers.
**Interviewer:** During your recent interview, you mentioned the carbon footprint of cotton production. What are some specific measures being considered to support cotton cultivation while addressing environmental concerns?
**Kostas Tsiaras:** We are actively engaging with Interprofessional Vamvakos to implement strategies that support cotton farmers and simultaneously reduce their carbon footprint. Projects like the denitrification program, backed by substantial government funding, are key steps in this direction.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s a delicate balance between agricultural support and environmental sustainability. Do you think the farmers will fully embrace these changes, or could there be resistance as they navigate these new aid conditions?
**Kostas Tsiaras:** Change can sometimes meet resistance, but it’s crucial for farmers to understand the long-term benefits of sustainable practices. We aim to communicate clearly and ensure they grasp the importance of these measures not just for today, but for future generations of farming in Thessaly.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Tsiaras, for your insights. To our readers, how do you feel about the government’s approach to balancing financial support for cotton cultivation and environmental sustainability? Do you believe farmers will adapt to these changes, or do you anticipate pushback from the community? Share your thoughts!