Between anti-smoking policies and tobacco farming subsidies: the case of Macedonia

Abstract

The Balkan countries that produce oriental tobacco struggle to comply with the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) to reduce and reorient tobacco farming with other cultures.1 The shift of tobacco production is both resource demanding and requires strong political commitment and support. The Republic of Macedonia is classic example how these governments in parallel continue to have conflicting two-track policies on tobacco: strong anti-smoking policies and high tobacco farming subsidies to stimulate production. Macedonia is considered predominantly agricultural land with about 39% of the total area or 1.01 million hectares dedicated to agriculture.2 Agriculture accounts for 18% of total employment, which makes 9.7% of the Gross Domestic Product of the country. Around 70% of the Gross Agricultural Output is generated by crop production. Production of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and melons are dominant cultures.2 In addition to these, other important cultures are tobacco, fruits and grapes for consumption and wine production. Tobacco growing and production has a long history in Macedonia. Tobacco production comprises 78% of total industrial crop production covering 18 846 hectares of agricultural land.2 Tobacco represents one-quarter of the agricultural export of the country and for centuries has been deeply rooted in the economic and social culture of …