Farmers and Processors Reach Deal on Red Pepper Prices in Strumica

Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Minister Borче Serafimovski announced from Strumica that an agreement has been reached between farmers and processors on the purchasing price of red peppers, one of the region's most economically important crops.

The southeastern Strumica region is one of Macedonia's largest producers of red pepper, a crop closely tied to the country's traditional "ajvar" production and a significant source of income for thousands of farming households. Purchase-price disputes between growers and processing companies are a recurring seasonal flashpoint, often leaving farmers uncertain about returns on their harvest right as it comes in.

Why the Timing Matters

Reaching a price agreement now, as the harvest season is underway, gives farmers clarity before they need to sell their crop, rather than after — reducing the risk that unsold peppers go to waste or get sold at a loss due to last-minute negotiations. For processors, an agreed price also means predictable input costs heading into the ajvar production season later this year.

The ministry did not immediately publish the specific agreed price figures, but framed the agreement as a resolution reached through direct dialogue between the two sides rather than government-imposed pricing.

MKNews Hub · Economy · August 14, 2026