SDSM backs Strumica farmers — says ajvar pepper price must be above 50 denars

SDSM voiced support for farmers from Strumica who blocked the local office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management today, saying the current purchase price for ajvar peppers is unacceptably low and must be raised above 50 denars per kilogram.

Opposition frames protest as wider signal from the countryside

SDSM representatives said the pick-up price of 25 denars per kilogram for ajvar peppers is humiliating, unprofitable and does not cover production costs. They noted that in 2022 and 2023 the purchase price ranged between 45 and 50 denars per kilogram, and argued that rising fuel and input costs have squeezed farmers’ margins.

“With the rise in fuel prices, everything in agriculture has become more expensive. Inputs, fertilizers, labour, production — all cost more. Only the farmer’s labour has become cheaper. This protest is the voice of all Macedonian farmers who over the past two years with VMRO-DPMNE in power have been deceived, humiliated and left alone without support. This government has devastated agriculture — reduced and unpaid subsidies, low purchase prices, problems with procurement and increased production costs,” SDSM said.

Farmers from Strumica, many arriving with tractors and agricultural machinery, blocked the regional office of the ministry to demand a higher guaranteed purchase price for the local pepper variety "kurtovska kapija." The demonstrators highlighted that the 25 denars per kilogram now offered by some buyers is far below what they need to sustain production.

One of the protest slogans read: "Give a price for the pepper so I can grow old on my grandfather’s hearth." SDSM said it will fight for farmers' rights and urged the Government to adopt a systemic and sustainable solution that ensures adequate income for producers.

Photo: СДСМ