In her remarks delivered at this meeting, Minister Denaj emphasized that the recent developments highlighted the need to reduce reliance and diversify supply chains, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (CAP ).

“The agricultural sector is facing significant challenges, including volatile market prices, the increasing impact of climate change and limited access to finance, which hinders the success of smallholder farmers,” said Denaj.

Amid these challenges, Denaj continued, “it is crucial for us to align our policies with the tested strategies of the European Community, where the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy is important for supporting farmers, promoting sustainable practices and guaranteeing food safety”.

Minister Denaj emphasized that “the Albanian government is committed to adopting the best practices and improving cooperation, market access and financing opportunities for farmers”.
Denaj briefed the participants on the initiatives recently undertaken by this institution as part of financial support for farmers and agri-processors, aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, in particular supporting innovation, investing in new technologies, increasing employment and improving living conditions in the rural areas, which include grants and measures to increase access to finance.
Ministers and heads of delegations participating in this meeting discussed and shared their political commitments for EU integration and policy aspects related to agriculture and rural development, especially in relation to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, the upscale of the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) of the EU and alignment with the EU acquis, the importance of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue as well as the Berlin Process.
This topic was brought up with reference to the “Jahorina Agenda 2024”, which represents the conclusions drawn from this year’s Agricultural Policy Forum held in Jahorina, in June 2024.
Another important item discussed during the meeting was the signing of the Declaration on Food and Agriculture, which is a step towards the formalization of cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans within the framework of the Berlin Process, with special emphasis on achieving the goals of sustainable development in agriculture.
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