TIRANA, April 8 /ATA/ The 2026 agricultural support scheme has officially entered into force, with the relevant guidelines expected to be published shortly to establish eligibility criteria and open the application process for farmers.
The program, supported by a €52 million fund, introduces significant reforms designed to expand the number of beneficiaries and enhance financial support across key sectors of agriculture and livestock.
According to the report attached to the 2026 Agricultural Support Scheme decision, a key change is the increased funding for livestock and beekeeping, alongside a reduction in the herd thresholds, which is expected to expand farmer participation compared to previous years. Additionally, the fuel support scheme has been restructured, shifting from direct subsidies to a 10% reimbursement of invoices for agricultural inputs.
As part of the direct payments program, the scheme provides subsidies for livestock farmers and beekeepers, as well as, for the first time, support for specific sectors such as pig breeding through funding for registered sows. It also includes support for cultivated agricultural land, with a payment of €100 per hectare.
Another change is support for the biological control of pests in vegetables, financing a substantial portion of the costs for biological materials, as well as the continued support for organic farms and certification according to international standards.
Under the investment component, a portion of the fund, amounting to approximately 2.5 billion lek, is allocated for farm development, including grants of up to €10,000 for young farmers, as well as financing for the construction and improvement of agricultural and livestock infrastructure. Support will also be provided for the mechanization of work processes through subsidies for equipment and machinery.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced that, should the number of eligible applications exceed the available fund, allocations will be distributed on a proportional basis.
Beneficiaries of this scheme include individual farmers, natural and legal persons, as well as agricultural cooperatives, with the aim of boosting domestic production, increasing competitiveness, and improving incomes in rural areas.
e.xh/j.p/sm/
