North Macedonia continues to advance its EU accession process, guided by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and the National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA).
While political volatility and institutional fragmentation have slowed reform momentum, the country formally launched EU accession negotiations in July 2022. The screening process now provides a structured framework for aligning national legislation with the EU acquis, including in the agriculture sector.
Agriculture remains a strategically important sector for North Macedonia’s economic development. However, the national market organisation system remains fragmented and insufficiently aligned with the EU’s Common Market Organisation (CMO) framework under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Strengthening institutional capacity, regulatory alignment, and producer cooperation is therefore essential to improve competitiveness and sustainability.
Project Objective
This project aims to:
- Increase marketing opportunities and productivity in the agricultural sector
- Improve sector competitiveness in line with EU accession requirements
- Promote environmentally friendly and circular agricultural practices
- Strengthen alignment with the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and green economy principles
Specific Objectives
1. Strengthening Institutional Capacity for EU CMO Alignment
The project supports public institutions in designing, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based CMO policies aligned with the EU acquis and sustainable food system principles.
2. Supporting Producer Organisations and Collective Structures
The action facilitates the establishment and recognition of producer organisations (POs), strengthening farmers’ bargaining power and position in the agricultural supply chain.
Component I: Establishment of Common Market Organisation (CMO) Measures
Institutional and Policy Foundations
- Assessment of coordination, efficiency, crisis prevention, and funding mechanisms for CMO implementation
- Development of policy recommendations and an action plan for evidence-based CMO measures
Legal and Operational Alignment with the EU Acquis
- Harmonisation of national legislation with EU CMO regulations
- Development of market measures, School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (SFVMS), and promotion measures
- Alignment with the EU Agricultural Reserve and EFSCM mechanisms
- Strengthening the Paying Agency’s operational capacity
- Assessment of EU import and export rules implementation
- Capacity-building for CMO implementation
Monitoring and Digital Systems
- Development of a CMO monitoring and coordination mechanism
- Preparation of IT technical specifications for upgrading agricultural purchaser software
Component II: Implementation of EU Minimum Quality (Marketing) Standards
Legal Harmonisation
- Alignment of national legislation with EU minimum quality (marketing) standards for agricultural products
Institutional Capacity and Awareness
- Training of ministry officials and inspectorates on revised EU standards and enforcement procedures
- Knowledge exchange with EU Member States implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2464
- Nationwide farmer awareness activities on quality standards compliance
Component III: Recognition and Strengthening of Producer Organisations
Establishment and Recognition of Producer Organisations
- Development of procedures and digital tools for PO recognition
- Mapping and preparation of at least four producer organisations for official recognition
Capacity Building of Competent Authorities
- Training on recognition, monitoring, and control of producer organisations
- Study visits to EU Member States to exchange best practices
Raising Awareness Among Farmers
- Nationwide workshops promoting collective structures and environmentally friendly agriculture
- Publication of an e-Guide for producer organisations and self-support structures
Expected Results
- Comprehensive CMO analyses and policy recommendations aligned with EU standards
- Harmonised secondary legislation improving market organisation and quality compliance
- Strengthened institutional capacity to implement EU CMO and CAP policies
- Official recognition of at least four producer organisations
- Enhanced farmer cooperation and improved positioning within agricultural value chains
- Increased adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices
Impact on EU Accession and Agricultural Competitiveness
By strengthening regulatory alignment, institutional capacity, digital monitoring systems, and farmer cooperation, the project contributes directly to:
- North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations
- Improved competitiveness of the agricultural sector
- Better integration into the EU Common Market
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural development
