Pelagonija livestock farmers threaten to block Medzitlija if 2025 subsidies aren’t paid
Farmers say unpaid 2025 subsidies and delayed 2026 payments will push them to block the Medzitlija crossing unless cash arrives by week’s end.
Livestock farmers from the Pelagonija region have warned they will block the Medzitlija border crossing with tractors and other machinery if outstanding subsidies for 2025 are not paid by the end of the week.
They demand immediate payments and an urgent meeting with the prime minister
Representatives of the agricultural association Pelagonisko Pole said the protest would target delayed payments for head-of-cattle subsidies and the premium for delivered milk in 2025, and they added that payments for 2026 are already behind schedule.
Farmer Nikola Brsakovski from the Pelagonija village of Crnobuki described the worsening financial situation: "The prime minister said that with the rebalancing the subsidies will be paid and that the most money has been given so far. But I see that right now I have the least amount of money in my pocket. The biggest support for this Government were the farmers, and now we have to protest against them. Last year milk at purchase was 33 denars per litre and it fell to 24. Now there is an announcement for 22 denars. One bottle of water of one and a half litres is over 30 denars. The dairies eat the kajmak, citizens pay for milk, and drink water," he said.
Farmers from Strumica, who are on their fourth day of protests against low purchase prices, asked where MPs and mayors are to protect them, organizers said.
Pelagonisko Pole is demanding an immediate meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership at the Ministry of Agriculture, saying officials have so far failed to resolve the payment delays.
Photo: СДК.МК)
