Greek farmers are grappling with withheld EU subsidies amid a scandal that has implicated political figures and exposed fraudulent claims amounting to millions of dollars.
While farmers struggle with rising costs for essentials such as feed and measures to combat livestock diseases, the government investigates allegations that funds were paid to individuals falsely claiming to be breeders.
At least $25m has been confirmed as fraudulently obtained, with hundreds of millions potentially unaccounted for.
In northern Greece’s Serres region alone, 2,700 farmers are affected, many of whom rear indigenous species like water buffalo and rely heavily on subsidies.
The fallout from the scandal compounds existing challenges for farmers, including climate change and high expenses, driving younger generations to seek opportunities abroad.
Farmers accuse the government of complicity in the mismanagement of funds, further eroding trust in the system.
Al Jazeera’s John Psaropoulos reports from Serres, Greece.
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