In its statement, the Confederation describes the decision to strike as unavoidable, arguing that government policies are sharply increasing production and distribution costs while producers and self-employed farmers continue to sell at low prices in order to support ordinary households.
The vendors’ demands focus on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, reducing production costs for farmers, abolishing the presumptive taxation system and withdrawing the additional 10 percent tax. They also call for changes to the electronic consignment note system and substantial amendments to Law 4849/2021, which they describe as flawed and out of step with the real conditions under which farmers’ markets operate.
The unions say the indefinite strike is intended to send a clear message. Farmers’ markets, they note, are essential both for producers’ livelihoods and for affordable access to food for consumers, and they will not allow policies that intensify price pressures, accelerate market concentration or undermine the primary sector.
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