Greek farmers voted to escalate their long-running demonstrations by descending on the capital with tractors and buses on February 13 or 14, following a national meeting in Thessaly, central Greece, on Wednesday.

The meeting was the seventh major assembly since the current wave of agricultural unrest began in the fall of 2025. Representatives from protest roadblocks across the country authorized the move, with some organizers suggesting the rally could last 48 hours to pressure the government over rising costs and a deepening livestock crisis.

“Our problems have not been solved, and our struggle continues,” said Rizos Maroudas, a prominent protest leader who proposed the Athens mobilization.

Central to the farmers’ grievances is the government’s handling of a sheep pox epidemic that has devastated Greek livestock. Since August 2025, authorities have recorded 2,084 outbreaks, leading to the culling of over 475,000 animals. While recent data shows a temporary dip in new cases – just 26 in the last week – experts warn that the lull is likely due to winter weather and fear a massive resurgence come summer.

Farmers and local officials have slammed the Ministry of Rural Development for bureaucratic delays. Despite promises made five months ago, military veterinarians only began training for farm inspections this week. To bridge the gap, the government recently announced emergency hires and a plan to pay private veterinarians up to €9,000 ($9,700) per quarter to assist with monitoring.

Spiros Protopsaltis, the ministry’s secretary general, urged farmers to strictly follow biosecurity protocols, calling the next three months “critical.” He noted that while income subsidies were paid in December, herds cannot be replenished until the disease is fully eradicated.

However, regional veterinary sources expressed skepticism, comparing the situation to pandemic fatigue. They warned that after months of restrictions and lackluster state intervention, many producers have stopped following official guidance, further complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.

Source: Ekathimerini.com