Skopje, 12 November 2022 (MIA) - Over 200 exhibitors of food and beverages and 40 associations are taking part in the inaugural Food and Beverages National Fair, organized Saturday at the Skopje City Part by Slow Food Macedonia with support provided by the Agriculture Ministry. The fair presents the real picture of what the Macedonian land has to offer, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said opening the fair dubbed "Taste the Tradition". "It offers an abundance of tastes, aromas and colors. Events like this one that are dedicated to the Macedonian agriculture and gastronomy, which have the government support, are very important," he stated. Amid the crisis, we concluded that domestic food production is a priority, Kovachevski concluded. "Recently, we've worked hard to make sure there is enough food for everyone and that domestic production is stable and increasing. We should produce sufficiently for our domestic needs and also to export good in order to strengthen the economy," the PM said adding he hoped this year's food fair will become a tradition. Agriculture Minister Ljupcho Nikolovski said today's fair is first and foremost an exhibition of Macedonian products, Macedonian food and Macedonian tradition. "I'd like to send a key message - let's respect food and preserve tradition inherited by our grandparents, because it is the biggest proof that the people here for centuries had passed on the beauty and joy of life," he stated saying he wished the fair turned into a cultural event that will celebrate Macedonian food and tradition in the years to come. This year, the Agriculture Ministry has supported 50 different events and fairs at home and 15 abroad.