The greenhouse vegetables sector development in the Republic of Macedonia

The greenhouse vegetables sector in the Republic of Macedonia is one of the largest employment generators, both permanent as well as seasonal. Since the establishment of the first PE tunnels and later on with erection of the glasshouses, by the end of 1970s, the sector has undergone severe crises, but the production and the revenues have remained relatively stable. The challenge of the sector in general is in diversifying export market, which is possible only if the product responds better to export market requirements in terms of crop diversity, applied technologies, quality, grading and packaging. Limiting factors for profitable glasshouse production in the Republic of Macedonia are the extreme temperatures in winter and in summer time. Besides that, glasshouse capacities are underutilized. As tomato is the most often grown species in Macedonian greenhouses, but the expensive tomato hybrids that are intended for at least 10 months cropping period cannot return the profit within the short cropping period of 3-4 months. The seasonal production and avoidance of the extreme winter conditions due to the high costs for heating also evokes problems with a very low market price. The institutional and educational systems in Macedonia do not keep the pace with latest developments in the greenhouse industry. In absence of the know-how the greenhouse operators are directed to search for consultancy, technology and equipment from foreign suppliers and providers.