Skopje, 18 March 2026 (MIA) — Local farmers have warned of a hike in food prices as conflict in the Middle East drives up the cost of fuel and fertilizer. 

National Federation of Farmers president Stevanche Jordanoski urged the government Wednesday to activate a "crisis fund" to help producers offset their rising costs.

He said that because most farming supplies are imported from the Middle East, the current instability is directly affecting farmers and, eventually, consumers.

"With the latest global events and the war no one wants, there have been major turbulences on the oil markets," Jordanoski said ahead of the federation’s annual assembly.

"All raw materials and fertilizers come from that region. We expect major price increases at the grocery store as well."

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Cvetan Tripunovski said the ministry was monitoring the situation and was prepared to intervene if needed.

"If necessary, we will come up with specific measures and proposals to remedy the situation," Tripunovski said.

Regarding the lamb trading season ahead of the Easter holidays, the agriculture minister expressed optimism. He said slaughterhouses offered a purchase price of Mden 260 per kilogram.

Following meetings between sheep breeders and meat processors, Tripunovski noted that while prices might rise slightly as demand peaks next week, producers should be pleased with the outcome.

"We are monitoring the situation daily," he said. "I think livestock farmers will be satisfied."

The agriculture minister added that the final price will depend on the quality of the livestock.

Federation members at the annual assembly also discussed other problems facing the farming industry. These include labor shortages, poor infrastructure and climate change. 

The federation's president warned of a demographic collapse in rural areas as young people move away. 

The labor shortage has become so severe in the livestock sector that he claimed shepherds were now impossible to find, even when offered monthly paychecks of EUR 2,000.

"Without a new generation of young farmers, the future of the sector is uncertain," Jordanoski said. He called for better infrastructure and more incentives to keep young people and women in the countryside. mr/