Sali Berisha, the leader of the Democratic Party, has presented a new package of measures to support farmers and agriculture in Albania, emphasizing the need for investment and increased financial support for this sector.
Berisha pledged direct subsidies for farmers, including support for seedlings and livestock.
“I guarantee that we will cover 80% of the interest on loans that you will take for greenhouses, farms, nurseries, gardens, livestock, and for everything,” Berisha stated.
This measure would be offered through a Development Bank, which would be established to support investments in agriculture and alleviate the financial burden on Albanian farmers.
Berisha promised to increase subsidy levels, bringing them closer to those in other countries like Kosovo and North Macedonia, which provide significantly higher support for agriculture.
He also stressed the need for a free advisory service for farmers, provided by specialists, to offer guidance on improving production and farm management.
“We will create a fund to protect you from natural disasters, to protect you from production stock issues, for various reasons that arise,” Berisha said.
Another pledge involves investments in agricultural infrastructure, particularly for irrigation and land protection, which Berisha considers essential for the development of Albanian agriculture. He emphasized investments in projects to protect land from erosion and increase irrigation opportunities in key areas.
