Tsiaras supports European reinsurance mechanism to protect farmers

Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras voiced support for the creation of a European reinsurance mechanism for natural disasters in agriculture, emphasizing that the current model—which relies heavily on post-event compensation—creates serious, unpredictable, and time-concentrated pressures on national budgets. His remarks came during the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers meeting in Brussels.

Under this framework, Greece views the reinsurance mechanism positively, seeing it as a tool to increase stability and predictability for the agricultural sector, while requesting clear technical details for implementation.

Simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Minister Tsiaras stressed the need for substantial simplification of the CAP, highlighting that the current compliance and control framework has become overly complex. New requirements have increased administrative burdens and created uncertainty for farmers, while complicating the work of national authorities.

He advocated a risk-based and proportional approach to controls, focusing on corrective actions and prevention rather than punitive financial adjustments. Tsiaras emphasized that CAP simplification must be practical, not just declarative, ensuring effective support for farmers while safeguarding EU resources.

National Recommendations and Regulatory Clarity

Tsiaras noted that national recommendations under the next CAP framework should align with the strategic direction of European agriculture, contributing to a coherent vision of the sector’s future. Greece also supports transferring selected provisions to sectoral CAP regulations, a step that would enhance clarity, transparency, and usability for farmers.

According to the minister, a clear institutional architecture combined with stable and sufficient funding is essential for CAP to meet its multiple roles, particularly in an era of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing Unfair Trading Practices

On the EU directive on unfair trading practices, Tsiaras highlighted ongoing challenges: many suppliers are unaware of their rights or fear retaliation, leaving violations unreported. He stressed that this is not merely a technical issue, but one of justice and market balance.

Securing Future Resilience and Growth

Earlier, upon arriving at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Tsiaras underscored the importance of resilient primary production, income support for European farmers, and sustainable development across the EU. He emphasized that the agri-food sector is a major driver of growth, creating value for all member states, and ensuring that farmers can survive and thrive under European Commission policies.

This stance signals Greece’s proactive engagement in shaping EU-wide mechanisms to stabilize agriculture, streamline CAP, and support farmers in the face of natural disasters and market challenges.

Source: pagenews.gr