Amidst 180,000 shortages in this industry, Greek exporters have pushed authorities to loosen entrance rules for employing foreign labour.

Greece's lack of agricultural labour is leaving more land uncultivated or crops unharvested, which is hurting the economy of the nation and farmers alike.

The National Interprofessional Organization for Table Olives (DOEPEL), as cited by Gargalianoi Online, said that up to 30 percent of green olives of the 2022/23 growing season remained unharvested.

As a result, agricultural revenues decreased by nearly €27 million, while the country’s losses in insurance contributions from trademarks are estimated to have surpassed two million euros.

Therefore, exporters are proposing to apply the French model, which means easing hiring criteria for third country-nationals.

So far, Greece has received 14,000 applications for work residence permits following an amendment approved a few months ago. Meanwhile, authorities anticipate this number to surpass 30,000.