Mickoski: Issue with Pepper Growers Has Been Resolved

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that a solution has been found to the situation involving pepper growers and that the purchase of their produce has continued for several days in line with expectations.

He said information provided by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy indicated that talks had been held between the parties with the aim of resolving the problem.

Mickoski said the Government supports farmers and their demand for higher purchase prices for agricultural products. According to him, collectors have undervalued the growers’ work.

“We support farmers in seeking higher prices. When we told them, ‘Let’s protest together outside the collectors’ premises,’ they said no. They told us that this did not suit them. We then told them: if this does not suit you, the Government is not a collector,” Mickoski said.

The Prime Minister explained that farmers had been advised to organize protests outside the largest collectors’ premises, together with representatives of the Government and local authorities, but the growers had not accepted the proposal.

According to him, the purchase of peppers is currently continuing, while the Government will remain committed to supporting farmers and improving their working conditions.