North Macedonia Faces Challenges in Agriculture Despite Investment
North Macedonia has seen approximately 1.9 billion euros invested in agriculture between 2008 and 2024, according to Professor Dragi Dimitrieski. However, the nation continues to rely heavily on imported agricultural products, with 70% of consumption originating from abroad. The decline in domestic production has been significant.
Cultivated land has decreased substantially, shrinking from over 660,000 hectares in the 1990s to just 515,000 hectares today. This reduction represents a loss of 150,000 hectares. Professor Dimitrieski emphasized that the utilization of these investments has not consistently maximized productivity.
“My message is that we haven’t always invested the funds in the most appropriate way. We have low productivity,” he stated. Yields remain significantly lower than those of comparable European Union nations, with the exception of orchard and apple production.
North Macedonia currently operates with a negative trade balance in both food imports and exports. In 2024, the country’s balance totaled approximately 470 million euros. Addressing these challenges within the agricultural sector remains a key priority for the country.
Topics: #hectares #agriculture #invested
“It’s disheartening to see such significant investment not translate into increased local food production.”