Greece faces a critical shortage of 180,000 agricultural workers, causing severe losses for farmers and the economy. Exporters are urging Greek authorities to simplify hiring processes for foreign workers to address this crisis. Recently, Greece agreed to bring in 5,000 seasonal workers from Egypt this year as a temporary solution.
The shortage has left large areas of land uncultivated and significant amounts of produce unharvested, particularly affecting crops like olives. For instance, up to 30% of green olives in the last growing season went unpicked, resulting in nearly €27 million in lost agricultural revenue. Moreover, Greece has suffered over €2 million in insurance contribution losses due to trademark issues.
To combat these challenges, exporters propose adopting a model akin to France's, which facilitates the employment of third-country nationals. Currently, Greece has received 14,000 applications for work residence permits following recent amendments, with expectations to exceed 30,000. Swift policy adjustments are crucial to ensuring agricultural productivity and economic stability in Greece amidst this ongoing labor shortage. Contact EU Helpers for Unskilled or Skilled Jobs in Greece or Europe.