Skopje, 14 February 2023 (MIA) – The Macedonian wine has been in the EU for a long time. All key laws in the field of agriculture and food have been harmonized with the EU Acquis and are regularly amended and supplemented for additional harmonization, which was confirmed by the European Commission in its annual report, wrote Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs, Bojan Marichikj, in an online post Tuesday.

“North Macedonia is synonymous with tasty grapes, renowned wineries and high-quality Macedonian wines, which are the best Macedonian ambassadors in Europe and the world. We have a fertile soil that the masters of their craft know how to use. We are leaders in the use of the IPARD Program, the financial support that the EU provides for Macedonian farmers and this will continue in the 2021-2027 period, through IPARD III, with a budget of 97 million euro. Today, on the day of St. Trifun, by pruning vines and watering them with wine, the winegrowers symbolically mark the new season of production,” wrote Marichikj.

The Deputy PM noted that the beginning of negotiations with the EU means preparation for using all advantages that membership brings, in the field of wine and food.

“We will be a part of the European Economic Area and a part of the single market, which will open up new opportunities for the Macedonian producers. The Macedonian farmers will receive greater assistance and stability on the market, as well as access to a significant part of the EU funds, much larger than the current ones. The EU model will be an incentive for Macedonian agriculture, because there are mechanisms to support small farms. What is important is that the EU does not limit the development and increase of production, as can often be heard in the public, but rather supports the competitiveness of producers and the introduction of EU standards, while at the same time insisting on regional cooperation. We will register and protect traditional Macedonian agricultural products. Macedonian food and wine will be 100 percent safe and secure and competitive on the EU market,” wrote Marichikj.

He extended greetings to all believers who celebrate St. Trifun, and wished the winegrowers a successful harvest and top-quality wine on the European markets. ad/sk/