Demonstration Field to Test Climate-Resilient Agriculture Practices in Dolno Lisiche

The activity is part of Germany’s broader support to the Western Balkans in strengthening climate resilience and applying practical solutions for agricultural production and adapting to climate change. The demonstration field marks an important step from planning to practical application. It will serve as a real-life testing site where institutions, academia, researchers, advisors, students and farmers can jointly assess which climate-smart practices work best in local production conditions.

“It is an honour to be here together today and to show that through international partnerships and the application of science, we can build more resilient, more competitive and more sustainable agriculture. These efforts are in line with national strategic documents, including the Smart Specialisation Strategy, the Reform Agenda, as well as national climate change strategies. A particularly important direction is the development of smart and sustainable agriculture based on knowledge, innovation and digital technologies. Today’s opening of this demonstration field is an important link in this process,” said Cvetan Tripunovski, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.

The activity has a clear practical purpose: to help agriculture remain productive in conditions of temperature fluctuations, irregular rainfall, drought and water scarcity, so that the country can continue to ensure stable domestic food production in the future.

The experiments will integrate digital technologies, precision irrigation, different types of sensors, weather stations, remote monitoring systems, drones, solar panels and pumps, anti-frost systems, as well as other advanced technological tools. This approach enables the collection and analysis of precise data, creating an important basis for evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

The experimental field, established with German Government support in cooperation with the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, will serve as a demonstration site where students, farmers, researchers, advisors and experts can observe the results of new technologies and practices in real production conditions.

“I would also like to emphasize the educational importance of this demonstration field. Our students, the future agronomists, technologists and agricultural engineers, are receiving something of great valuee — the opportunity to learn in direct contact with a real challenge. No one can understand what drought, heat stress or erosion means only through a textbook. Here, at this demonstration field, students will learn with their hands and with their eyes, ask questions and seek direct answers,” said Prof. Dr. Biljana Angelova, Rector of the University ‘Ss. Cyril and Methodius’ in Skopje.

Part of the experimental area includes a pilot plum orchard with the “Stanley” variety, one of the most common varieties in the country. In the initial phase, the development of the trees, their response to different rootstocks and planting distances, as well as the effects of irrigation and protection systems, will be monitored. Another part of the field currently includes forage pea, sorghum and maize, as part of the testing process for field crop practices.

“Macedonian-German cooperation in agriculture and rural development has lasted for more than three decades. Over the years, it has changed together with the needs of the country — from support during the transformation period, through increasing productivity, marketing and trade, to today’s challenge, which is becoming increasingly important: adaptation to climate change. As the implementing partner, it is especially important that research results do not remain only within institutions, but reach those who need to apply them — the farmers. That is why we are working together with the University ‘Ss. Cyril and Methodius’, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in Southeast Europe and agricultural associations,” said David Oberhuber, Country Director of GIZ North Macedonia.

This activity is part of broader regional support by the German Government for climate adaptation in the Western Balkans, aimed at more effective implementation of measures in line with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. The support includes the development of strategies and tools for better planning and decision-making, demonstration projects in agriculture and urban transport, as well as regional knowledge exchange and political dialogue.

"Germany is currently implementing a new agri-export strategy in order to strengthen resilient and sustainable agricultural trade. The strategy promotes innovation, modern technologies, and high standards for quality and sustainability. The strategy promotes innovation, modern technologies, and high standards for quality and sustainability. This is directly connected to projects like the one we are inaugurating today. By supporting innovation, research, and knowledge transfer, these demonstration fields contribute both to climate goals and to the long-term economic, economic resilience of the agricultural sector.” said Mr. Olaf Schäfer, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for Agriculture Trade, EU Affairs and International cooperation of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity.

Demonstration activities are being implemented in North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including practical solutions in agriculture, urban mobility and climate-resilient infrastructure. Through these activities, solutions are tested in the field, lessons learned are documented, and models are created that can be adapted and applied in other communities across the region.