New Agricultural Markets Law in North Macedonia to Require Written Contracts, Digital Registry for Farmers
Agriculture Minister Serafimovski says the new system will flag risks early and reduce the uncertainty farmers face when selling their produce.
North Macedonia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy has presented a draft law on regulating agricultural product markets, aimed at giving farmers greater security when selling their produce.
A key provision requires written contracts before delivery, specifying exact quantities, quality, price, payment terms and associated costs. The bill also introduces an electronic registry of authorized buyers for better traceability and control, along with a market information system tracking production, supply, demand and prices. It encourages farmers to form producer organizations to strengthen their bargaining position.
Agriculture Minister Borče Serafimovski said the system will "timely recognize risks, establish market order and reduce the uncertainty" farmers currently face, adding that the burden of production risk should not fall on farmers alone while sale conditions remain unpredictable.
The public debate on the draft law included representatives of agricultural associations, producers, buyers, processors and academic institutions. The legislation is also aligned with the European Union's common agricultural market rules.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · September 26, 2026
