Greece is preparing changes to its open-air farmers markets, including the introduction of afternoon markets and plans to allow eligible low-income households to use food vouchers at market stalls.
The proposed afternoon markets would operate at new locations without affecting existing morning markets, according to Nikos Sotiriou, president of the Pan-Attica Federation of Farmers Market Vendors’ Associations. Speaking to Meganews 104.6, he said the opening hours under consideration are approximately 2:30 to 3 p.m. through 7:30 to 8 p.m., depending on the season.
The aim is to make shopping easier for employees and families who cannot visit markets during the morning. A survey conducted by the federation and polling firm Metron Analysis found that 87% of respondents favor afternoon farmers markets, Sotiriou said.
Initially, vendors who already hold permits for morning markets will be eligible to participate in the new markets. Additional positions may be announced if demand warrants them.
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Food vouchers for low-income households
The changes also seek to allow beneficiaries of Greece’s Minimum Guaranteed Income program to use vouchers to shop at farmers markets.
Sotiriou said the measure could support financially vulnerable households by giving them access to fresh produce and affordable food options.
The proposed reforms also include measures to improve market organization, such as assigning vendors permanent positions. The stated goal is to improve the shopping experience while supporting professionals working in the sector.
New rules aim to modernize farmers markets
A circular issued by the Trade Secretariat of Greece’s Ministry of Development clarifies how legislation adopted in April will be implemented. The measures followed months of discussions between Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos and representatives of farmers markets.
According to the ministry, the new framework addresses longstanding operational problems and creates additional opportunities for vendors to offer quality products at competitive prices.
Under the new rules, producers and professional vendors may operate at a morning market and a different afternoon market on the same day. This gives vendors more opportunities to work and increase their income while making markets more accessible to people who work in the mornings.
More places for producers
Up to 10% of the positions at each market may be allocated to meet seasonal needs, for periods of up to six months per producer.
The process for assigning these positions has also been simplified. Once an application is submitted and posted for 48 hours, the position is awarded directly if no other applicant expresses interest. If there are competing applicants, an electronic lottery determines the allocation.
Municipalities may also establish farmers markets exclusively for producers, a measure intended to encourage the direct sale of agricultural products and increase competition for consumers’ benefit.
Faster permits and fewer administrative hurdles
The framework simplifies the licensing process for producer-vendors. Permits must be issued within five business days of the receipt of the required documents.
Digitally issued permits recorded in the government’s Open Market information system will remain valid indefinitely, provided the supporting documents remain valid. Periodic renewal will no longer be required.
Vendors whose printed permits have expired but have not been revoked may continue operating legally while their permits are converted into digital versions, provided they obtain the required certification.
A single application is sufficient to obtain this certification, which covers all of a vendor’s market positions and activities, including those in different regions. If the relevant administrative file is held by another public service, the authorities must retrieve it themselves rather than requiring the vendor to do so.
Flexibility for agricultural declarations
The new rules also address delays involving OSDΕ, Greece’s Integrated Administration and Control System, which is used in agricultural administration.
If a producer cannot submit the required OSDΕ declaration during the annual documentation process for reasons beyond their control, they may file a formal declaration explaining the situation and provide the document as soon as it becomes available. This is intended to prevent producers from being penalized for administrative delays for which they are not responsible.
Clearer procedures for market positions
The framework sets out more specific rules for assigning, exchanging, relocating and improving vendors’ positions, with defined criteria and electronic lotteries where required.
Applications to change positions within the same market or move to another market must follow designated periods. The annual deadlines are March 24 and September 23.
The rules also clarify when vendors may lose their positions. Failure to appear at an assigned position for 20 days in a year is considered an implicit resignation from that position. Vendors may appeal within 15 days of being notified of the relevant decision.
In cases where a permit is transferred following the holder’s death, an application must be submitted within 12 months. Otherwise, the permit automatically expires and can no longer be transferred.
Finally, the framework clarifies market fee requirements, including provisions allowing fees to be reduced or waived in cases of force majeure, such as hospitalization or extreme weather.