Delchevo, 17 August 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy Cvetan Tripunovski met Saturday with fruit growers and farmers from Delchevo, Berovo, and Pehchevo. The discussions were focused on the distribution and purchasing of this year's plum harvest, which amounts to about 2,500 tons for these municipalities.

“What I told the farmers is that the Ministry is in serious discussions with a buyer from Serbia to purchase a significant quantity of plums from this area. We are also seeking other buyers to ensure the entire 2,500-ton harvest is sold and not left unsold,” Tripunovski said.

“On the other hand, as a government, we will intervene with an additional measure to compensate for the losses they have suffered. If the overall price of plums this year ranges from 9 to 10 denars per kilogram, we as the Ministry and the government are prepared to cover the difference up to 14 or 15 denars to ensure that farmers are satisfied. This measure, which we will approve in one of the upcoming government sessions as a vital measure, will be funded from the emergency fund immediately after the harvest is completed,” he added.

He announced that farmers will receive the funds within about thirty days after the harvest is completed, to cover their costs and to serve as an incentive for the following year.

Tripunovski stated that in 2025, there will be financial support for constructing distilleries and processing facilities, aiming to solve the problem sustainably rather than just handling it on a yearly basis.

Photo: MIA