Macedonia (FYROM)

Potato cultivation is a vital component of North Macedonia’s vegetable sector, with production spread across diverse agro-ecological zones, including the southern and eastern regions where favorable soils and climatic conditions support high yields. Cultivation occurs from the lowland plains to sub-mountainous and mountainous areas, with farming practices and technology tailored to specific local topographies.

The country primarily utilizes potato cultivars imported from the Netherlands, France, and Germany, which undergo rigorous evaluation under North Macedonian conditions to ensure suitability for local soils and climates before being adopted for wider use.

The Institute of Agriculture – Skopje, part of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University and established in 1927, plays a central role in potato research, breeding, and variety trials. It also maintains the national vegetable germplasm genebank and leads the official variety testing process for cultivar approval and release.According to FAOSTAT, in 2023, North Macedonia produced approximately 184,181 tonnes of potatoes

Potatoes likely reached North Macedonia during the Ottoman era (15th–19th century), gradually integrating into traditional farming systems alongside wheat, maize, and vegetables. Over time, they became a common feature in small family plots spread across plains, hills, and mountainous regions.