State Agriculture Inspectorate Carried Out Nearly 22,000 Inspections in the First Half of the Year

The State Agriculture Inspectorate (ISHB) carried out nearly 22,000 inspections in the first half of 2026. In the procurement segment, 409 decisions were issued, including orders, warnings and obligations, ISHB Director Ivica Angelovski said today.

Speaking at a government press conference, Angelovski said in response to a journalist’s question that the institution is currently facing staff shortages as inspectors leave upon retirement.

The director stressed that the Inspectorate fully carries out its responsibilities and that its teams remain continuously in the field throughout the year, depending on which agricultural crop is in the procurement period. According to him, the work is conducted in accordance with the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development, while agricultural inspectors check during procurement whether purchasing companies meet the requirements established for the process.

The inspections cover minimum technical conditions, the availability of suitable premises and equipment, possession of verified measuring instruments, and other criteria required by law. Angelovski added that the departure of retiring inspectors has created a significant staff shortage, meaning systematic efforts must be made in the coming period to hire new staff who will cover all the institution’s activities.

Regarding exports, Angelovski explained that ISHB is responsible for monitoring the health safety of shipments.