OPEKEPE Payments in Greece: A Guide

OPEKEPE, the Organization of Payment and Control of Community Guidance and Guarantee Funds (Οργανισμός Πληρωμών και Ελέγχου Κοινοτικών Ενισχύσεων Προσανατολισμού και Εγγυήσεων), is the Greek paying agency responsible for managing and disbursing agricultural subsidies funded by the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These payments are a vital source of income for Greek farmers and play a significant role in the agricultural sector’s overall sustainability.

Types of Payments

OPEKEPE distributes various types of payments under the CAP, categorized under two main pillars:

• Pillar I: Direct Payments These are direct income support payments to farmers, intended to stabilize incomes and ensure a fair standard of living. Key direct payments include:
  • Basic Payment Scheme (BPS): A fundamental direct payment based on eligible land.
  • Greening Payment: An additional payment for implementing environmentally beneficial agricultural practices, such as crop diversification and maintaining ecological focus areas.
  • Young Farmers Payment: A supplementary payment to support young farmers starting their agricultural activities.
  • Coupled Support: Support linked to the production of specific products in specific regions, designed to prevent abandonment of production or to support vulnerable sectors.
• Pillar II: Rural Development Payments These payments support rural development measures, focusing on improving competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and the quality of life in rural areas. Examples include:
  • Agri-Environment-Climate Measures: Payments for farmers who adopt environmentally friendly farming practices beyond the standard “greening” requirements.
  • Payments for Areas with Natural Constraints (ANC): Support for farmers in areas facing specific natural difficulties, such as mountainous or remote regions.
  • Investments in Agricultural Holdings: Grants to support modernization and improvement of farm infrastructure and equipment.

Payment Procedures and Timelines

OPEKEPE follows strict procedures for processing and disbursing payments to ensure transparency and accuracy. Farmers must submit applications and supporting documentation through a designated online platform. OPEKEPE then verifies the eligibility of applicants and calculates the amount of payment due based on factors such as land area, crop types, and compliance with environmental requirements.

The timing of payments can vary depending on the type of payment and the processing workload. Typically, direct payments under Pillar I are made towards the end of the calendar year, while Pillar II payments are often disbursed throughout the year as projects are implemented and verified. OPEKEPE regularly publishes payment schedules and announcements on its official website and through press releases to keep farmers informed.

Challenges and Improvements

OPEKEPE has faced challenges related to payment delays, administrative complexities, and occasional errors in payment calculations. The organization is continuously working to improve its efficiency and accuracy by streamlining procedures, investing in IT infrastructure, and strengthening controls. Measures include improved online application systems, enhanced data verification processes, and increased transparency in payment schedules.

Farmers are encouraged to stay informed about payment updates, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines by regularly visiting the OPEKEPE website and consulting with agricultural advisors. Understanding the payment system and adhering to the guidelines is crucial for Greek farmers to secure their entitlements and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector.