Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been collateral damage, shared not only by the two countries involved but others too. One such country is Greece and its dying fur trade industry.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the fur trade industry of Greece, especially in the Kastoria region is staring at a bleak future, Ever since the war broke out, Russia and its tourists, which used to be the biggest market of fur have disappeared entirely. Trying to open new markets is an uphill task and time is not by the side of fur traders.&nbsp;

According to figures for 2015 from the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food, there used to be 123 fur farms in Greece which rose to 131 in 2018. However, since then, there has been a dramatic drop and only 92 mink farms operated in 2020. The numbers are expected to have dwindled rapidly in the last five months after the war broke out in February.

According to data received, fur garments are among Greece's top 10 exports to the world market. To Russia alone, the export figure amounted to 14 million euros last year. A year before that, it was around the 55 mn euros mark.&nbsp;

Read More<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cargo-plane-carrying-12-tonne-hazardous-material-crashes-in-greece-residents-told-to-stay-indoors-498155">: Greece: 8 dead in crash of cargo plane carrying weapons, mines, residents told to stay indoors</a>

There are over 2,000 family-run businesses involved in the fur trade, employing around 4,000 Greeks. With heavy sanctions imposed on Russia, the Greece fur sellers cannot find any avenue to ship their goods, which often take thousands of euros to furnish.&nbsp;Safe to say, the industry has been snuffed out in the aftermath of a war.

To protect the family-run businesses from going bankrupt, the government has allowed them to suspend over 80 per cent of their staff, who will receive state benefits till September. However, despite the best intentions of the government, the fur traders are beginning to resign themselves to the reality of the situation. And that, the business is about to end.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been collateral damage, shared not only by the two countries involved but others too. One such country is Greece and its dying fur trade industry.

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, there has been collateral damage, shared not only by the two countries involved but others too. One such country is Greece and its dying fur trade industry. Reportedly, the fur trade industry of Greece, especially in the Kastoria region is staring at a bleak future, Ever since the war broke out, Russia and its tourists, which used to be the biggest market of fur have disappeared entirely. Trying to open new markets is an uphill task and time is not by the side of fur traders. According to figures for 2015 from the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food, there used to be 123 fur farms in Greece which rose to 131 in 2018. However, since then, there has been a dramatic drop and only 92 mink farms operated in 2020. The numbers are expected to have dwindled rapidly in the last five months after the war broke out in February. According to data received, fur garments are among Greece's top 10 exports to the world market. To Russia alone, the export figure amounted to 14 million euros last year. A year before that, it was around the 55 mn euros mark. Read More: Greece: 8 dead in crash of cargo plane carrying weapons, mines, residents told to stay indoors There are over 2,000 family-run businesses involved in the fur trade, employing around 4,000 Greeks. With heavy sanctions imposed on Russia, the Greece fur sellers cannot find any avenue to ship their goods, which often take thousands of euros to furnish. Safe to say, the industry has been snuffed out in the aftermath of a war. To protect the family-run businesses from going bankrupt, the government has allowed them to suspend over 80 per cent of their staff, who will receive state benefits till September. However, despite the best intentions of the government, the fur traders are beginning to resign themselves to the reality of the situation. And that, the business is about to end. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Greek fur trade industry snuffed out in the aftermath of Russia-Ukraine war

The Italian Senate's Budget Committee voted today to adopt a modified version of an amendment to the budget bill that will see the country's ten remaining mink fur farms shut down within six months and a permanent ban on fur farming across the country.

Although the resolution must be approved by the Parliament, it is expected to be implemented before the end of the year, making Italy the 16th European country to outlaw fur farming.

Many Italian fashion houses, like Valentino, Armani, GUCCI, Prada, and Versace, have previously abandoned the use of fur.&nbsp;

In its latest research, 'Mink breeding in Italy: Mapping and Future Perspectives,' animal rights organisation Humane Society International/Europe proposed practical, strategic ways to close and convert fur farms into alternative, humane, and sustainable businesses.&nbsp;

The activity of growing or raising certain types of animals for their fur is known as "fur farming."

European farmers generate the majority of the world's farmed fur.

In the EU, there are 5,000 fur farms spread across 22 nations, accounting for half of all farmed fur output worldwide.&nbsp;

The following items are included in the approved amendment:

Breeding of fur-bearing animals such as mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas is prohibited immediately, and all existing fur farms in Italy must close by June 30, 2022.

Compensation for farmers will be provided by a Ministry of Agriculture fund in the amount of 3 million euros in 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Italian Senate's Budget Committee voted today to adopt a modified version of an amendment to the budget bill that will see the country's ten remaining mink fur farms shut down within six months and a permanent ban on fur farming across the country.

The Italian Senate's Budget Committee voted today to adopt a modified version of an amendment to the budget bill that will see the country's ten remaining mink fur farms shut down within six months and a permanent ban on fur farming across the country. Although the resolution must be approved by the Parliament, it is expected to be implemented before the end of the year, making Italy the 16th European country to outlaw fur farming. Many Italian fashion houses, like Valentino, Armani, GUCCI, Prada, and Versace, have previously abandoned the use of fur. In its latest research, 'Mink breeding in Italy: Mapping and Future Perspectives,' animal rights organisation Humane Society International/Europe proposed practical, strategic ways to close and convert fur farms into alternative, humane, and sustainable businesses. The activity of growing or raising certain types of animals for their fur is known as "fur farming." European farmers generate the majority of the world's farmed fur. In the EU, there are 5,000 fur farms spread across 22 nations, accounting for half of all farmed fur output worldwide. The following items are included in the approved amendment: Breeding of fur-bearing animals such as mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas is prohibited immediately, and all existing fur farms in Italy must close by June 30, 2022. Compensation for farmers will be provided by a Ministry of Agriculture fund in the amount of 3 million euros in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Going fur-free: Italy to ban fur farming and shut down all mink farms within six months

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