The import of vegetables and fruits deepened further in April this year, as domestic production in greenhouses entered its peak.

Data from INSTAT show that the import of greens in value increased to 73% in the first four months of 2024, compared to the same period a year ago. There was also a 25% increase in the import of fruits in the same period. On the other hand, exports of vegetables recorded an annual increase in value by 12% in January-March 2024, while fruits recorded a decrease of 5.5%.

The export of vegetables in value was Lek 4.2 billion January-April 2024 and their import was Lek 2.1 billion.

Experts in the agricultural sector claim that the developments within the sector are consolidating agriculture in large farms, while agriculture of plots and small herds is heading towards extinction.

Earlier, small family farms supplied the domestic market, while greenhouses were produced mainly for export. All greenhouse farmers with surfaces above half a acre (2.000 m2) are related to export, while the market presence of small greenhouses and field products is being reduced as a result of the aging of the population in the rural areas of the country.

Farmers' markets that used to sell agricultural and livestock products almost no longer exist, causing many farmers to turn from producers to consumers. The growth of tourism, on the other hand, is increasing the need for seasonal fruits and vegetables, influencing the expansion of demand and more imports in this category.