Farmers in Strumica initiated protests today, leading to blockades in the city center as they demand an increase in the purchase prices for red pepper. The agricultural sector is expressing significant concern regarding current compensation levels, citing dissatisfaction with the perceived response from the Ministry of Agriculture and local buyers. The core issue revolves around the established purchasing structure.
Currently, the premium grade of red pepper designated for export is bought at 40 denars per kilogram, while the price for pepper intended for local processing stands at 25 denars per kilogram. The farmers contend that these established prices fail to adequately cover the actual costs incurred during the production cycle, making the current market unsustainable. These demonstrations began on Friday, and the farmers have warned that blockades will continue until their demands are met.
They are calling for immediate intervention from relevant institutions to ensure a substantial increase in purchase prices. With the buying season only at its outset, the growers fear that insufficient pricing will lead to greater financial losses across the region. The farmers emphasized the severe economic strain they are enduring.
They stressed that the current financial climate makes sustaining operations extremely challenging. The protestors are urging authorities to address the discrepancies in the current pricing structure immediately to stabilize the income of the local farming community.
Topics: #farmers #strumica #prices
