Farmers' groups again threaten mobilisations

Farmers' groups, mostly in the northern Greece provinces of Macedonia and Thrace, but also in agriculture-dependent Thessal, on Monday appeared ready to block major highway intersections, practically an "annual rite" that materialises in late January and February -- the least intensive period in the east Mediterranean country's agricultural sector.

The most ominous threat is
related to the blocking of a major border crossing with Bulgaria (Promachonas), with dissatisfied farmers there joined by unpaid employees of a northern Greece textile mill.
Farmers' groups this year are mostly demanding tax-free petrol for all agricultural uses and swifter payment of crop damages, particularly cotton.
Past protests have involved the stationing of large farm equipment on roadways.


source: ana-mpa