Four women farmers named 'Farmers of the Year' at Strumica agro-fair

Four women from the southeastern region of North Macedonia were declared "Farmers of the Year" during the agricultural fair in Strumica. The honorees are Milena Angelova from Palikura (Municipality of Rosoman), Valentina Dukova from Podles (Municipality of Gradsko), Ljiljana Shishkova from Dolni Disan, Negotinsko, and Lejla Rajkova from Valandovo.

Recognition and practical support

The awards were presented by the association Proagrofarmers, the organizer of the agro-fair in Strumica, where the women also exhibited their products. The association cited their role as active holders of family farms when announcing the prizes.

All four share a clear focus on food production. As farm owners they grow and process garden produce and fruit, maintain vineyards and engage in beekeeping. Their stands at the fair drew attention to integrated on-farm production and small-scale processing.

In addition to the symbolic title, Proagrofarmers presented agricultural equipment to the winners. The association said this material support is intended as extra motivation to remain in the villages and to continue developing their agricultural businesses.

Organizers described the prize as part of a wider effort to highlight female leadership in rural agriculture and to encourage value-added food production in the region. The awarded equipment is expected to help the recipients scale up processing and improve product quality.

The event in Strumica brought together local producers and served as a marketplace and showcase for seasonal horticultural and apicultural products from the wider southeastern area.

Photo: SDK.MK)