TIRANA, Dec 29 /ATA/ – The municipality of Korça, southeast Albania, plans to build a model apple farm equipped with modern technology, along with a contemporary sorting and packaging centre, in a bid to boost the competitiveness of domestic production and expand market access for farmers.
Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said in an interview on Monday the project is expected to begin implementation next year and is among the most significant municipal investments aimed at supporting agriculture in the region.
Apples are one of Korça’s highest-potential agricultural products, Filo said, adding that the project would enable production to meet modern quality and marketing standards.
“This project is important because it will help develop the apple market, which has strong potential for Korça’s farmers,” Filo said. “Through standardised sorting and packaging, producers will gain access to international markets.”
The model farm will also serve as a reference point for local farmers, introducing new cultivation practices and modern technologies, while the sorting and packaging centre will ensure consistent quality and add value to production, he said.
The project is expected to give fresh momentum to agricultural development in Korça by strengthening the apple production and marketing chain and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Korça region is Albania’s main apple-growing region, accounting for about 63% of national apple output, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The region benefits from favourable climatic conditions and has around 4,000 hectares planted with apple orchards. The most widely cultivated varieties include Red Chief and Starking derivatives, as well as Golden Delicious.
While most of Korça’s apple production supplies the domestic market, an increasing share is being exported, boosting the sector’s export potential.
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