Protests have swept Greece since January, against a new wave of austerity measures inflicted by the Greek government to satisfy lenders in the EU and IMF.

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Farmers in Greece have been protesting since the beginning of the month against new taxes and neoliberal reforms, which include budget cuts and attacks on labour rights. Earlier in February, farmers staged roadblocks on motorways throughout the country in solidarity with striking sailors and against government reforms.

Following blockades at the beginning of the month, farming groups announced over the weekend that they will continue to block roads for an hour each day from Monday (11th February) due to a lack of government response to their demands. The latest austerity measures would cut fuel subsidies for farmers and further increase taxes. At the beginning of the month, demonstrating farmers distributed free food during their blockades and outside the ministry of agriculture in Athens.

Journalists, including those in the state's employ, have also carried out strikes in response to the coalition government's proposed measures.

In October, Farmers on Crete surrounded the island's airport with tractors and clashed with police. Some drove their tractors onto the runway.

The farmers and other protestors feel that the EU austerity package has opened the door for neoliberal assizes to enter Greek government policy. They are opposing measure which will result in lower pensions, higher taxes and privatisation of the agricultural bank which allocates loans. There have also been serious delays in subsidy payments.

Trade unions in Greece are calling for a general strike on 20th February. In response to widespread unrest, the Greek government has resorted to using emergency powers to break strikes.

The economic crisis has affected Greece particularly severely, but in some cases has led to the creation of innovative new economies, and seen farmers forming closer ties with the communities they serve.

Last year, farmers and activists from Northern Greece came together to develop a supply system which benefits the hard-hit producers and their customers alike. Activists in the town of Katerini set up a website to link up farmers and townspeople, allowing direct orders of fresh produce and oils. By shortening the supply chain and avoiding retailers, the consumers get their potatoes for around a third of the supermarket price, whilst farmers receive higher returns.