North Macedonia government prepares dairy‑sector support and tighter milk‑powder import rules

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the government is drafting new regulations that will tighten criteria for importing milk powder and palm‑oil, aiming to protect domestic dairy producers. The measures also target the reduction of large stockpiles in dairy processing plants, which have been depressing farm‑gate milk prices.

Mickoski announced that, after the upcoming budget rebalancing, subsidies for dairy farmers will be paid for the 2025 season, addressing delayed payments for 2023 and 2024. Additional steps include encouraging agreements between producers and processors and mobilising socially responsible companies to purchase excess dairy stocks.

The minister noted that the over‑stock situation is not unique to North Macedonia but affects neighbouring countries in the region, prompting coordinated policy action.