Greek Dairy Farmers Struggle with Rising Costs Amid Economic Pressures

Greek dairy farmers are experiencing severe financial difficulties as the costs of maintaining their operations continue to rise. Livestock farmer Magda Kontogianni, who tends to her herd of dairy goats near Athens, describes the harsh economic environment as a daily struggle. She notes that energy expenses have become unbearable, forcing her to cut household costs to keep her herd alive.

The price of feta cheese, a staple in Greek households, has reached approximately $20 per kilo, transforming it from an essential item into a luxury for many families. However, farmers like Kontogianni are not benefiting from these high prices. She explains that while producers in the 1970s received 70 percent of the final price, today they receive only 20 percent.

The rising costs of feed, fuel, and electricity are cited as major challenges by farmers across Greece. Apostolos Raftopoulos from the Consumers' Union of Greece highlights the discrepancy between production costs and retail prices, noting that products can multiply in price several times from the field to the shelf, disadvantaging both producers and consumers.

The Greek government has responded to these issues by increasing inspections and imposing penalties for profiteering. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis states that targeted relief is being provided to producers to help them cope with the financial strain. The government's goal is to protect both farmers and consumers by ensuring fair pricing in the market.

Kontogianni and other farmers believe that resilience alone is insufficient to preserve Greece's dairy tradition. They argue that fairer pricing for producers is essential to maintaining the production of Greek milk and cheese for future generations. The struggle for fair compensation continues to be a critical issue for the country's agricultural sector.