Today I submitted a question to the responsible Minister about the chestnut producers of Arcadia. I ask him to support the income of the chestnut producers of Arcadia which has been reduced dramatically due to the attack of diseases and severe weather and to take measures and political initiatives to help the chestnut producers so that chestnut production in Arcadia does not disappear completely
Here is the full question:
Question
TO: The Minister of Rural Development and Food Mr. E. Avgenakis
SUBJECT: “Need for support for chestnut growers in Arcadia”
Mr. Minister,
The concern and frustration of the Arcadia chestnut growers who are at risk of financial ruin due to major problems that for years have reduced chestnut production, which is the main source of income, is intense.
Infestations of the trees by canker and chestnut blight diseases combined with high temperatures dramatically reduced the expected production. In particular, the mild winter did not help the trees to bud and the appropriate temperature of 6 to 7 degrees Celsius needed for the trees to bud did not prevail. Also, during the flowering period in June, the rains did not allow fruit setting and thus we can talk about an almost total disaster. As of 2020, production has been steadily reduced by over 80%. 2023 shows no change and production is almost zero, since it is estimated that it is reduced to a percentage that reaches 90%.
Chestnut producers, for one more year, are at their limits since the subsidies that have been given in recent years are not sufficient to cover the damage. As they report, the cost of cultivation per hectare reaches 500 euros, while the compensations given ranged from 75-150 euros per hectare.
Following the above, the competent Minister is asked:
1. What immediate measures will be taken to support the income of Arcadia’s chestnut producers, which has been dramatically reduced by disease and severe weather?
2. What measures and political initiatives will help chestnut producers so that chestnut production in Arcadia does not disappear completely?
Athens, 1.11.2023
THE LOVE MP
ODYSSEAS KONSTANTINOPOULOS
