Prespa fruit growers oppose purchase price for industrial apples: just 4 denars per kilogram

Apple growers in Prespa may be forced to accept a price of 4 denars per kilogram for industrial apples.

Agriculture Minister Borçe Serafimovski said today that the price is set by agreement between farmers and buyers, while the state can intervene only as a mediator. Regarding the outstanding payment of 2 denars per kilogram from the 2024 intervention fund, he said the payment orders have been prepared and the money is expected to reach growers’ accounts soon.

Serafimovski explained that the state can oversee the purchasing process and bring the parties together for talks to agree on a price. According to him, the price is determined by the market, while agricultural law requires only purchase contracts for the apples and prices accepted by both parties. The minister added that the aim is to support farmers without leaving the legal entities that buy their produce unprotected.

The minister said the main focus should be on apples for consumption. Although apples are divided into categories, he said, those intended for consumption account for most orchard production, and their price should be the chief concern.

Last week, Prespa fruit growers warned that they would not allow industrial apples to be purchased for 4 denars per kilogram. They said thousands of tons risk remaining unsold in storage.

Vlladimir Labaçeski, a fruit grower from Prespa, said they have received promises from all sides, but without help they do not know how they will continue growing fruit in the area. He said the apples could remain in the orchards, fall and rot without being picked. He added that, at current prices, some growers may not harvest them at all, while collection points are empty because no one is bringing apples there.

Fellow Prespa fruit grower Dimitar Lozeski also described the prices as catastrophic and said everyone hopes to receive help. He said farmers turn to the state every year, but the need is particularly great this year and, from what they have seen so far, they have been left to struggle. The growers are seeking 3 denars in state intervention aid for every kilogram this year. Lozeski stressed that it is now November and fears they will be forgotten again. According to him, this month is the last chance for the aid to be of any use; otherwise, the promises will come to nothing.

Serafimovski announced that a long-term solution for purchasing arrangements, production and minimum prices would be sought in the coming period.