Farmers Block Strumica, Demand Higher Pepper Prices

Farmers from the Strumica region have brought the city center to a standstill with tractors and other agricultural machinery. The protest is against the current purchase price of Kërtovska peppers, which are used by the canning and processing industry.

Producers expect Agriculture Minister Borçe Serafimovski to take concrete steps following a meeting held in Strumica a day earlier. According to the farmers, the minister expressed his willingness to consider their demands, but must first speak with representatives of the processing companies before making a decision. These companies are currently offering 25 denars per kilogram.

“The minister promised us yesterday that he would work to secure a higher purchase price. If an acceptable price is not reached—one that at least covers our production costs—we will resume protests and blockades starting Tuesday,” said Aleksandar Grozdanov, a representative of the Mladi Murtino Association.

The farmers’ protests and blockades have now entered their third day. Their main demand is for the purchase price to be calculated based on actual production costs.

The farmers consider the change in price compared with last year unjustifiable. At that time, mixed first- and second-grade peppers sent to canning industry factories for processing were purchased for 35 to 40 denars per kilogram, while this year the price has fallen to 25 denars.

According to the producers, the amount currently being offered does not cover production costs. They have warned that the protests will continue unless a concrete solution is offered.

They are calling on the institutions and processing companies to hold negotiations and set a price that allows farmers to cover their costs and continue production.