Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-05-03

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Off-the-agenda discussion in parliament on farm policy issues

[01] Off-the-agenda discussion in parliament on farm policy issues

Prime minister Costas Karamanlis was briefed on developments in the agricultural sector on Wednesday, ahead of the debate, by agricultural development minister Evangelos Basiakos and deputy minister Alexandros Kontos.

Boosting the Greek farm sector's competitiveness through an emphasis on high-quality produce and improving the absorption rate of EU funds, which are matters of priority for his ministry, were discussed with the premer, according to Basiakos, who spoke to reporters after the meeting

"Subsidies were paid earlier than ever before, while the last remaining payment will be made by mid-May," he added.

Basiakos underlined that there is future in Greek agriculture, adding that all available EU and state funds are being used to keep the sector alive.

Responding to a press question, he said necessary measures have been taken to avoid drought-related problems in hydro-electric energy production and irrigation.

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