National forum on skills development and future skill needs in the agri-food sector
Workshop in Skopje: Enhancing Skills in Macedonia’s Agricultural Sector
On July 3, 2024, Skopje, IMPETUS hosted a workshop under the “SMARTLABOUR” initiative, focusing on skill development in Macedonia’s agricultural sector.
The financing of this project is provided by the project SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Connected Western Balkans, which is implemented by the Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD), the Center for Research and Policy Development (CRPM) and the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM). The project is financially supported Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.
Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, regional NGOs, and academic institutions, convened to address challenges such as a declining workforce and the need for modernization. Aleksandar Kostadinov from IMPETUS noted that the sector’s GDP contribution has decreased from 10% in 2010 to 7% in 2023, while agricultural employment has halved in the past 12 years.
Participants emphasized the critical need for digital transformation, highlighting the integration of technologies like automation and artificial intelligence. Discussions centered on essential skills such as technical knowledge, critical thinking, and communication to prepare the workforce for modern demands.
The workshop also addressed declining youth interest in agricultural careers, with many opting for freelancing opportunities. Goran Baleski, president of the First Organic Cooperative, stressed the importance of showcasing positive examples within the sector to attract new talent and ensure a sustainable future for Macedonian agriculture.
