Climate change represents a serious threat for agriculture production, water resources, food security and rural life in Macedonia. Although it is still assessed which cultures will be most affected, it is considered that the risk is most likely for tomatoes in the Strumica region and grapes in the Povardarie area.

World Bank experts told participants at Wednesday's National Dissemination and Consensus Building Conference within the regional program on reducing vulnerability to climate change in agricultural systems that implementation of climate change protection measures should start right away.

Special attention should be given to rational use of irrigation water, as well as modernization of irrigation systems.

"Climate change is a complex global issue, which effect is expected to cause chronic problems in agriculture, seen as one of the most important sectors in economy due to its significance for the social security and poverty reduction. Taking into consideration this fact, we will undertake initiative for implementation of mitigation policies with regards to the negative effects of climate change", said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupco Dimovski in his address.

According to World Bank analyses, mid-temperatures have risen as a result of climate change, along with moisture deficit, as well as increasing likelihood of extreme phenomena, such as droughts, heatwaves and wildfires.

Projections for the coming decades include increase of mid-temperatures by 1.9 degrees, reduction of rainfalls by five percent, along with greater exposure of cultures, forests and livestock to diseases.