Digital Solutions for More Modern Agriculture in North Macedonia

As part of an official visit to North Macedonia, the CMSR management team monitored the implementation of the development project Empowering Digital Agriculture: Modernization, Education, and Sustainable Development in North Macedonia.

In Skopje, they met with Professor Mile Markoski, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, and his team, and received a briefing on the progress of project activities.

Out in the field, they reviewed the project's tangible results with the Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska, and the Slovenian Ambassador to North Macedonia, Gregor Presker. This confirmed the strong support for and importance of the project on both sides.

North Macedonia's agricultural sector faces many challenges, including outdated production methods, low digital literacy in rural areas and limited access to modern knowledge and technology. A lack of innovation leads to the inefficient use of natural resources, soil degradation, and the loss of biodiversity. This also reduces young people’s interest in pursuing agricultural careers and hinders alignment with European quality and food safety standards.

The project provides a comprehensive response to these challenges. Its aim is to modernise agricultural education by introducing digital technologies and strengthening the practical skills of students and local farmers. Within the project framework, a digital laboratory will be established and training programmes delivered for students and rural women. A support centre will be developed to assist with the implementation of EU standards, and the growth of agricultural start-ups will be encouraged. Experimental fields will be equipped with advanced technologies to enable higher yields and a more sustainable use of natural resources.

These activities will contribute to increased productivity, improved youth employability, the empowerment of women and the long-term sustainable development of agriculture in North Macedonia.