Farmers put forth demands, increase protests
Farmers head down a national highway in Larissa, central Greece, as they increase protest action against the government over financial demands. About 250 tractors took part in the protest demonstration, which ended peacefully a few hours later without any traffic disruptions. Farmers are calling on the government to freeze their financial obligations toward ATEbank (the former Agricultural Bank) for the next three years and help to reduce their production costs, in a bid to help them offset the rising price of doing business. Other requests put forth include providing support to the cotton and dairy sectors that are facing difficulties and offering tax breaks, according to a statement issued yesterday. They were joined by peers in others parts of the country, such as Serres, northern Greece. Farmers are expected to meet again today to decide their next protest plan.
