The Greek position is that the expenditure for agriculture should remain at the present level, at least up to 2013. It is argued that European agriculture can play a multi-functional role. Agriculture is very important - in economic, social as well as environmental terms - for the sustainable development of rural areas in Greece. Farming – particularly family farming – is considered as a public service, and the CAP should treat farms and farmers as public resources. A reformed CAP should guarantee a fair agricultural income and decent living conditions for all small-scale farmers, taking into account their production costs as well as production levels and imports.

Besides its contribution to safeguarding the socio-economic stability of the countryside and decelerating if not stopping its depopulation, agriculture plays a strategic role in food safety, in periods of serious turbulence of the world food market. Agriculture is also important in areas such as consumer protection, safeguarding the European pattern of agriculture, broadening trade flows and safeguarding the natural environment.

Thus, according to the Greek national position, the EU should provide a policy framework that ensures stability and security for its agricultural population. Greece therefore argues that the EU must have sufficient financial resources to fulfill its objectives and priorities. It is not considered realistic to expect Europe to respond, in a satisfactory way, to the challenges that have been set when limited resources are available for the main European policies.