Vegetable production in North Macedonia – competitiveness, trends and challenges
Journal
Acta Horticulturae
Date Issued
2021-08
Author(s)
Martinovska Stojcheska, A.
Agic, R.
Janeska Stamenkovska, I.
DOI
10.17660/actahortic.2021.1320.10
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of the vegetable production trends
in North Macedonia and examine its comparative advantage. The study is based on
desk research data concerning vegetable production and trade, and a tailor-made
survey carried out at key informant growers during the period February-April 2019.
Emphasis is put on the development of the country’s exports determined through the
revealed comparative advantage index. Vegetable production is the major single subsector contributor to the agricultural gross product in the country, representing
around one-third of its output value. The total production over the last decade
averaged around 900 thousand tons annually, out of which 20% are exported (around
80% as fresh and the rest as processed or frozen). Key challenge for vegetable growers
is competitiveness. Competition from neighboring countries is becoming more
intensive in recent years and the comparative advantage of this important sector is
weakening. Vegetable growers need to be differentiated from their competitors by
better cost structure, efficient production systems, higher quality, product consistency,
demand-side capability, flexibility to follow trends, and ability to rapidly change
technology. Horizontal and vertical integration in the value chain, with appropriate
backing from the advisory and knowledge transfer systems, as well as relevant policy
support especially in terms of modernization and structural aids, need to constitute the
backbone for increased competitiveness of the sector and overcoming the imminent
challenges.
in North Macedonia and examine its comparative advantage. The study is based on
desk research data concerning vegetable production and trade, and a tailor-made
survey carried out at key informant growers during the period February-April 2019.
Emphasis is put on the development of the country’s exports determined through the
revealed comparative advantage index. Vegetable production is the major single subsector contributor to the agricultural gross product in the country, representing
around one-third of its output value. The total production over the last decade
averaged around 900 thousand tons annually, out of which 20% are exported (around
80% as fresh and the rest as processed or frozen). Key challenge for vegetable growers
is competitiveness. Competition from neighboring countries is becoming more
intensive in recent years and the comparative advantage of this important sector is
weakening. Vegetable growers need to be differentiated from their competitors by
better cost structure, efficient production systems, higher quality, product consistency,
demand-side capability, flexibility to follow trends, and ability to rapidly change
technology. Horizontal and vertical integration in the value chain, with appropriate
backing from the advisory and knowledge transfer systems, as well as relevant policy
support especially in terms of modernization and structural aids, need to constitute the
backbone for increased competitiveness of the sector and overcoming the imminent
challenges.
Subjects
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