Cold Macedonian winter makes for higher cabbage prices

Macedonian agriculture received a big boost in 2013 when the government adopted a four year National Strategy for Ag and Rural development, which runs from 2013 through 2017. The idea behind the plan is to make the country more competitive within the European market and to promote modern and sustainable development.

According to Export.gov, from the US Chamber of Commerce, Ag and food exports accounted for 12% of Macedonia's total exports in 2015. Over 75 percent of the production is in open fields, 20 percent in plastic tunnels, and the rest in glass greenhouses. The top three vegetable crops are tomatoes (over 50 percent), peppers, and cabbage.

Ivan Kocev from Macedonian exporter, Agro Fruit, said that cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes are in season and the products being the most exported at this time. The company's main export destinations are Russia, Ukraine, Romania and surrounding countries.

"Vegetable prices are really high at the moment due to smaller supply since it is the beginning of the season. Our cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes are grown in polytunnels and glass houses and prices are also been affected by the very cold winter we had here in Macedonia. Growers spent a lot of money over the winter on fuel to keep the tunnels warm so there wouldn't be a delay to the start of the season." said Ivan.

Cabbage prices were especially effected by heating costs, with seeds being sown from December. Current prices are €0.80 per kilo.

For more information:
Ivan Kocev
Agro Fruit
Tel: +389 70829859
Email:ikocev8@gmail.com
skype: ivan kocev
www.facebook.com/Agro-Fruit-1165851820169715