SDSM: Farmers pay more and get nothing — Mickoski accused of focusing on data centres and antimonopoly

The State Statistical Office published data showing that agricultural production costs rose while producer prices fell in August, the Social Democratic Union (SDSM) said in a party statement.

According to the figures highlighted by SDSM, production costs increased 6.8 percent in August while producer prices dropped by 2.2 percent. Fuel and energy costs rose 15.8 percent, machinery costs climbed 13.4 percent, and transport equipment costs increased 19.6 percent. At the same time, prices paid for vegetables fell 6.4 percent, fruit and grapes 7.2 percent, and animal-origin products 7.7 percent.

SDSM said that farmers are paying more to produce while receiving less at purchase, and that retail prices have not fallen accordingly. The party quoted its statement: "The difference is eaten by the chain. The farmer pays twice. This did not fall from the sky. President Filipche warned months ago what the wrong policy and the cut in subsidies of about 40 million euros would bring. Advance payments were abolished. Green diesel is late. The aid threshold is rising. Peppers and grapes are at humiliating purchase prices. Cabbage from 25–30 denars fell to 6–8 denars," the party said.

In the same statement SDSM accused the current authorities of freezing European funds after being caught stealing from them, and of leaving cooperatives without support. The party also listed specific sums they say the government has at its disposal to benefit allies: "The Government has 5.53 million for Geta and 1.6 million for businesses to split the opposition. A plane for Mickoski's knees. A data centre and antimonopoly for commission. But for the one who injures the country — there is nothing, statistics and silence. VMRO-OKG does not run agriculture. It runs looting. They let fuel rise to the ceiling, then came with half-measures. Only part of VAT and that late. They left the excise in place," the statement reads.

Demands and warnings

SDSM recalled measures it says it proposed earlier and which it says were not taken: abolition of the excise, reducing VAT on energy to 5 percent, and a minimum of 600 euros. The party claims it also asked for immediate relief measures at the start of the season, but the government did not act.

Closing its message to farmers, SDSM called for regular subsidies, advance payments, timely green diesel, fair purchase prices and aid that reaches small producers as well as large buyers. "Without this, this autumn there will be neither harvest nor sowing but a calculation by the gang on the backs of those who produce food," the party warned.

Photo: press material from the event