Prespa apple growers face crisis amid low prices and high labor costs

Apple growers in the Prespa region of North Macedonia are facing a severe crisis as the harvest season begins. Producers report that purchase prices for industrial apples have dropped to just 4 denars per kilogram, a significant decrease from the 10–11 denars seen last year. This low price point makes it economically unfeasible for many farmers to harvest their crops, as the revenue fails to cover the costs of labor, transport, and fertilizers.

Labor shortages are further complicating the situation. To manage the harvest, growers are increasingly relying on seasonal workers from Albania, who are demanding higher daily wages of approximately 2,500 denars for eight hours of work. Additionally, farmers are struggling with unpaid government subsidies from 2024 and a reduced yield caused by late spring frosts and hailstorms. Some producers have stated they may leave the fruit to rot in the orchards because the cost of picking and transporting it exceeds the potential market return.