Strumica-area farmers to protest again after pepper procurement prices fall

Farmers from the Strumica region announced a fresh protest for August 25, 2026 after processors again lowered the procurement price for peppers, saying that the agreed rates were honoured for only four days. Local producers report that for five days peppers were bought at about 25 denars per kilogram, and that factories have signalled even lower offers.

Demands and contacts with the ministry

The farmers are demanding full implementation of the previously agreed procurement prices and the correct classification of harvested peppers. Organisers say they repeatedly reported the situation on the ground and were in contact with Agriculture Minister Borche Serafimovski.

According to the growers, at the meeting where prices were set they requested written guarantees that processors would respect the terms, but such guarantees were not provided. The farmers recall that Minister Serafimovski publicly announced then that the agreed prices must be observed and that the state would act if processors deviated from the agreement.

Practical arrangements for the action were announced: a mass agricultural gathering is set for 11:00 on August 25, 2026 in front of the regional office of the Ministry of Agriculture in Strumica, with departures planned from 10:15. Farmers are being urged to come, and those who can are asked to bring agricultural machinery to the event.

Organisers stress the demonstration will be a peaceful agricultural protest without party affiliation. Farmers warn they may intensify measures if the agreed procurement terms are not enforced.

Photo: press material from the event