TIRANA, July 31 /ATA/ – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working on a National Digital Agriculture Strategy, Minister Anila Denaj announced during the second meeting of the Steering Committee of the Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) program.
The meeting was held Thursday in cooperation with international partners, including the United Nations (UN), FAO, ILO, ITU, and relevant Albanian ministries such as the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Finance.
Minister Denaj stated that, with support from the DART project, Albania is redesigning the Farmer’s Portal into a more integrated digital system and placing a greater focus on digital skills for youth.
“This new digital system aims to increase transparency, boost production efficiency, lower costs, and introduce innovation into the agricultural sector,” Denaj said.
“This programme is transforming how we think about agriculture and rural development. We are not only investing in technology, but in people—farmers, youth, and public servants—who will lead Albania’s digital transition in line with the vision of Agriculture 2030,” said Minister Denaj.
She added that this year, the DART program will combine fieldwork with regional agricultural offices and farmers to achieve the desired impact.
Jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the DART programme supports the development of digital tools, services, and skills to improve agricultural productivity, service delivery, and rural employment opportunities—particularly in line with EU integration goals.
On her part, Ms. Randi Davis, Acting UN Resident Coordinator said that, “The digital transformation of rural Albania requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort. Through this Joint Programme, we are aligning UN expertise with national ambition to ensure no farmer is left behind”.
“To succeed, we need co-designed solutions that are evidence-based and accessible,” added Ms. Lorena Pullumbi, Assistant FAO Representative in Albania. “We welcome stronger engagement from institutions such as the Agricultural University of Tirana, municipalities, and local advisory services and look forward to reinforcing dialogue with the EU Delegation, whose role is key in anchoring this work within Albania’s EU accession framework.”
Further on, FAO’s Dr. Francelino Rodrigues and National Project Coordinator Ms. Arsita Mati shared technical updates and acknowledged the role of national institutions like SASPAC, ARDA, and the Agency for Excellence and Innovation in driving implementation at both national and local levels.
The “Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation” (DART) is a three-year (2024–2027) programme funded by the Joint SDG Fund’s Digital Transformation Window through contributions from the European Union, Sweden, and Spain. Led by FAO with ILO, ITU, and Albania’s Ministries of Agriculture and Finance, it aims to develop a national digital agriculture strategy aligned with EU standards, enhance digital public services via the Albanian Farmers’ Portal, and build digital capacities among small-scale farmers, students, vocational schools, and public sector employees.
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