Opposition SDSM MP Mile Taleski said that Macedonian agriculture is facing a catastrophic situation. According to him, farmers are grappling with low purchase prices, high production costs and a lack of certainty over the sale of their products, while many are giving up agriculture.
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Taleski attributed direct political responsibility to VMRO-DPMNE and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, stressing that promises of higher subsidies, a secure market and better conditions for farmers have not been fulfilled.
He said farmers are directly feeling the consequences of the government’s policies, as they invest months of work, money and effort, only to face losses in the end. According to Taleski, the situation has reached the point where some farmers are abandoning their fields and destroying their crops themselves.
“Every day we face low purchase prices, high production costs, an uncertain market and delayed payments. Farmers spend money on seeds, fertilizer, fuel, pesticides and labor, only to discover at the time of sale that their production has resulted in a loss,” Taleski said.
The opposition MP recalled that before the elections, VMRO-DPMNE promised tobacco growers higher subsidies and guaranteed purchasing. However, after coming to power, the subsidy was reduced from 100 to 80 denars.
“When you were in opposition, you promised that upon coming to power you would increase the subsidy and ensure guaranteed purchasing. But after you took power, you reduced the subsidy from 100 to 80 denars. Tobacco growers were deceived: they were promised more, but received less,” Taleski said.
He also warned of the difficulties facing grape growers, who are uprooting their vineyards because production costs are not being covered. According to him, wheat and rice producers, livestock farmers and dairy producers are also facing problems.
Taleski stressed that the destruction of vineyards cultivated for years demonstrates the loss of confidence in the system. He added that wheat and rice producers are facing purchase prices far below production costs, while livestock farmers and dairy producers are barely covering the costs of feed, raising animals and maintaining their farms.
“Where is the promised agricultural revival? Will anyone finally take responsibility for deceiving farmers?” Taleski said.
In response to the crisis, SDSM and its coalition proposed a law on financial support aimed at mitigating the consequences of the economic crisis in agriculture and livestock farming, as well as in the purchase of agricultural products during 2026. The initiative provided a total of 4 billion denars to support a larger number of agricultural and livestock products.
The draft law submitted by the SDSM parliamentary group and its coalition was opposed by MPs from VMRO-DPMNE, ZNAM and VLEN, who voted against it.
