Greece: late implementation of agri-environmental policies

In Greece, environmental problems related to agriculture differ in nature and intensity from those encountered in northern European countries. In addition, they are less apparent, as extensive types of farming, usually compatible with environmental conservation, are still practised in many areas. Regulation 797/85 was more a structural policy than an agri-environmental policy (AEP) in Greece, and was mainly used as a tool to increase agricultural production capacity. The chapter highlights that the success of Greek AEP will be mainly judged from the quality of control and evaluation of environmental benefits expected from implementation of Regulation 2078. Compensations were given to Greek farmers to offset natural handicaps, to improve lagging agricultural structures, and to conserve rural communities in less favoured areas. Based on their political power, people in rural areas have demanded the convergence of rural and urban incomes through short-term solutions including price increases, direct income subsidies and credit facilities.