TIRANA, Feb 18 /ATA/ – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla on Wednesday presented a 5.2 billion lek support package for Albanian farmers and agribusinesses for 2026, describing it as the largest scheme ever introduced for the sector.
Salla said support for agriculture remains a strategic priority for the government and that the 2026 package offers an integrated approach aimed at boosting production, formalising markets and strengthening farmers’ commercial capacity.
“This package delivers the highest budget ever for farmers and agribusinesses, addresses the sector’s priority needs and brings it closer to European Union standards,” he said.
The National Support Scheme includes direct payments to farmers and targeted investments in priority crop and livestock sectors. The Minister said the programme was drafted following 23 public consultations across Albania, with farmers’ proposals to be reflected in the final draft pending approval by the cabinet.
A key measure is a 10% compensation on the value of sales invoices for agricultural and livestock products. The scheme applies to invoices issued by collection points, processors and agritourism businesses.
Farmers will be able to submit self-invoices every six months to regional tax offices and receive reimbursement directly into their bank accounts, in what Salla described as a simplified and transparent procedure. He urged farmers to formalize their activity and obtain tax identification numbers in order to benefit.
To improve access to finance, the government has also established a 3 billion leks guarantee fund covering up to 70% of collateral requirements for agricultural loans.
The scheme foresees a 2% interest rate, loans of up to 25 million leks per beneficiary, repayment periods of three to five years and a grace period of at least 12 months.
Salla also said Albania plans to launch the EU-backed IPARD III rural development programme in the first half of 2026, with a total envelope of 147 million euros, aimed at supporting sustainable rural development and alignment with EU standards.
He said the 2026 package represents a concrete commitment to farmers and rural areas, adding that the government would continue investing in a stronger, more formalised and competitive agricultural sector.
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