In a video message on Wednesday, Tabaku claimed that the government’s VAT policy was penalizing local farmers, arguing that the discrepancy between input and output VAT rates creates a “super tax” that disadvantages domestic producers.

She called for a unified 6% VAT rate on both inputs and outputs in agriculture, arguing the current disparity acts as a “hidden tax” that gives importers a price edge and leaves domestic producers uncompetitive.

“The system rewards importers, punishes local producers, and drains rural incomes,” Tabaku said.

She accused the government of neglecting the sector and mismanaging EU IPARD funds, leaving farmers without access to effective support.

“The agriculture sector is in crisis because of misguided tax and subsidy policies,” Tabaku said in her video message.

Opposition MP concluded that agriculture is facing a deep crisis, blaming it on flawed taxation, insufficient support policies, and poor fund distribution.

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