Description
The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) is a web-based database that provides continuous information and monitoring data on the agri-food markets. The database records the trade prices of agricultural outputs including the prices of strategic products provided by representative markets, providing the user with a transparent overview of movements in the agricultural product and food markets. The app also provides access to monthly reports of market prices for various crops and livestock, and features a “Buy/Sell” tab that provides information on, and links to external landing pages for the completion of transactions. The app thus operates also as a marketplace for the purchase and sale of agri-food outputs, although the marketplace was not operational as of March 2023. The system is being expanded to include market information on animal feed, raw materials, grape markets and wine.
Technology
The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) is a web-based application that is updated with market prices and volumes provided by selected representatives from each sector. Data on crop production, livestock, milk and dairy products are collected continuously, with the aim being to further expand the scope and range of products and markets covered, and to improve the system through the prompt and regular delivery of market information. Market price data are accessible through the “Reports” tab of the app, and the data are exportable through web scraping that outputs the data to Excel spreadsheets. The app is available in English and Macedonian.
Target
Users of AMIS may include policymakers, farmers, agri-food market analysts, traders and other agricultural sector stakeholders. Policymakers will find AMIS useful when there is a need to make decisions based on market data, while farmers can use AMIS to steer their decisions on when to buy and sell their products. Agri-food market analysts can use AMIS to analyse market trends and prices.
Business model
The Agricultural Market Information System provides information on market prices free of charge. The operation of the app is funded from the budget of the Republic of North Macedonia and the ASAP project financed by the World Bank. Certain activities have been supported through short-term projects of the Department of Agriculture of the United States, and a project supporting the implementation of measures relating to the Common Agricultural Policy, particularly in the part of the Common Market Organisation funded by the European Commission.
Impact
The Agricultural Market Information System is fully compatible with the markets and trade policy of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). CAP requires the regular submission of market information to the European Commission, Directorate for Agriculture (DG-AGRI) by North Macedonia as a requirement for full membership of the European Union. The information provided by AMIS helps farmers better understand the market and make more informed decisions related to the production, pricing and marketing of agri-food products. It also provides the government with data that can aid in the monitoring, evaluation and formulation of more effective agricultural policies. The acquired information also helps strengthen the position of the national agri-food sector on the domestic and international markets, while providing accurate data for decision-making in the formulation of competitive agricultural policies.
Partners
Department of Agriculture of the United States of America; World Bank; European Commission
Four Betters
Better life
