Rural development and agriculture: Status and trends in the Republic of Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia has accepted the definition contained in the strategic directions for the development of the EU for the period 2007-2013 according to which, for rural areas are considered territories of the municipalities or populated place with population density below 150 persons per square kilometer. According to the Law on Local territorial of the Local Government (2004), the cities are defined as settlements having more than 3000 inhabitants. The villages represent mono-functional settlements, in which one business dominates while agricultural land has agricultural physiognomy and function. This paper characterizes rural population in Macedonia, and the reasons for limiting the development of the agricultural sector aimed at developing rural areas. There is also description on the technical infrastructure in rural areas, level of development and the deep disparities in development between rural and urban areas. The area of agriculture and its development are illustrated by its structure, percentage of population working in this sector and the efficiency of utilization of agricultural land. By the end of the paper there is a preview to the policies, instruments and actions to achieve strategic objectives aimed at promoting and enhancing rural development and competitiveness of the Macedonian agriculture. Measures and instruments for achieving these goals are adjusted in accordance with the Common Agricultural Policy –CAP in EU, that in the process of adjustment to the EU represent most complicated chapters in the negotiation process