Serafimovski: More than 54 million kilograms of grapes delivered to domestic wineries and exported

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Borče Serafimovski said that grape purchasing is proceeding without interruption, collection points are operational, and winegrowers continue to deliver their produce. During today’s visit to several collection points in Kavadarci, he observed the grape intake and processing procedures firsthand.

According to the latest figures presented by the minister, 14 wineries, operating through 19 collection points, have so far purchased and processed more than 35 million kilograms of grapes. Of this amount, around 15 million kilograms are red varieties, predominantly Vranec, while more than 20 million kilograms are white varieties.

Serafimovski also announced that the wineries have harvested and processed more than seven million kilograms of grapes from their own vineyards. Of these, 3.1 million kilograms are red grapes and 3.9 million kilograms are white grapes. Family-owned wineries have purchased and processed another 1.5 million kilograms, bringing the total amount collected and processed by domestic wineries to more than 43.5 million kilograms.

A significant portion of this year’s production has also been sold on foreign markets. More than 10.5 million kilograms of wine and table grapes have been exported so far. When this amount is added to the produce received and processed by domestic wineries, a total of more than 54 million kilograms of grapes have been harvested from the vineyards, Serafimovski said.

The minister dismissed claims that the process is facing difficulties or that the intake of Vranec grapes has been halted. According to him, isolated cases are being used for political purposes to create an impression that does not reflect the actual situation at the collection points, while winegrowers gain nothing from such a debate.

He emphasized that the State Agriculture Inspectorate is overseeing the entire process. Daily inspections are being conducted at all 19 collection points in the country, during which the weighing and classification of grapes, documentation, records, and compliance with the established purchasing conditions are checked.

Serafimovski urged winegrowers to report any specific problems to the Ministry or the Inspectorate without delay. He assured them that every specific complaint would be investigated and that appropriate measures would be taken if any irregularities were identified.

Referring to political reactions concerning the progress of grape purchasing, the minister accused Levica of attempting to cause panic through selective and dramatized posts without presenting viable solutions for purchasing, financing, or guaranteeing payments. According to him, the party portrays the winegrower as an extra while simultaneously using them as part of its political spectacle.

The minister stressed that panic does not secure the purchase of a single kilogram of grapes, open collection points, or guarantee payments. He added that while Levica engages in political theatrics, winegrowers continue to deliver their produce, wineries continue to accept it, and the purchasing process continues without interruption.