Bioeconomy of North Macedonia: Agriculture, Forestry, and Biomass

North Macedonia's bioeconomy is anchored in agriculture and food production, contributing 7.6% to GDP and 11.5% to employment in 2021, with agro-food exports accounting for 9.6% of total exports. Forestry covers 1.1 million hectares, 90% deciduous and over 70% coppiced, predominantly state-managed, with timber mainly used for energy. Conventional aquaculture dominates fisheries (92.9%), alongside commercial (5.8%) and recreational (1.3%) catches. Biomass supplies 6% of primary energy and 9.5% of total energy consumption, primarily from wood. Biomaterials and bio-based products remain in early development. Key policies include the National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (2021–2027), the 4th National Climate Plan, and alignment with the European Green Deal.