The Greek agricultural sector has been dealt a severe blow this year. Due to the unprecedented wildfires during the summer, followed by some massive floods, analysts are estimating that food prices will soon skyrocket. The Greek government is set to ask the European Commission to step in, providing financial assistance to cope with the disastrous implications of floods.

Before the floods, Greece experienced a severe heatwave with prolonged drought and spring hail. All these resulted in decreased fruit and vegetable production, which led to significant price increases during the summer.

Kostas Tzelas, president of a local agricultural association: “This blow [floods] will be the final one for primary production in the wider area of Thessaly. Almost 20,000 families live in our municipality alone, with 90% of the population engaged in agriculture.”

The economy of Thessaly is based on the primary sector, and several professions depend directly or indirectly on agricultural production. The Thessalian Plain contributes €8 billion to the Greek GDP. While the ultimate damage cannot be projected yet, as thousands of acres are still underwater, analysts suggest that apples and pears will be seriously impacted, leading to price hikes and increased imports.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com