Tons of peaches to be distributed to charities, churches
Tons of peaches which are sitting in refrigerators following a flurry of canceled orders by Russian importers will be distributed to charities, churches and other organizations dealing with the welfare of vulnerable social groups, the Agricultural Development Ministry announced on Tuesday.
Farmers are keen for the distribution of the produce to begin immediately to stop prices from dropping further in the wake of a glut in the market resulting from the Russian food embargo. The producers have proposed that some of the peaches be reduced to pulp to make fruit juice for schools. They are expected to find out the level of European Commission compensation they are likely to get on Friday, when officials are due to meet in Brussels. Some 30 to 35 million euros in EU aid is expected.
Potential alternative export markets for Greece were discussed at a separate meeting chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas, with farmers and representatives of the road haulage sector.
