The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) said Thursday that the scheme provides grants of up to 15 million lek per project, including support for installing solar panels.

The programme aims to expand production capacity and cut energy costs for rural enterprises, ensuring sustainable supply of up to 110% of their electricity needs.

Beneficiaries can combine the grant with a soft loan at just 2% interest and a sovereign guarantee covering 70% of collateral, enabling full project financing, according to AZHBR.

Applications remain open until September 30, 2025, as part of nine support measures designed to promote agriculture and agritourism. The initiative is intended to speed Albania’s transition to a greener, self-sustaining rural economy and make rural areas a more stable source of development and employment.

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The scheme aims to promote sustainable agricultural and livestock development by improving animal welfare and food safety. Minimum eligibility includes farms with at least 10 cattle, 100 sheep or goats, 10 pigs, or 10,000 poultry.

Financial support covers 50% of total VAT invoices up to 15 million lek per applicant. Farmers may also combine grants with soft loans at a fixed 2% interest rate and sovereign guarantees covering 70% of collateral.

Agriculture Minister described the scheme as a major step toward modern, sustainable agriculture and said applications are open until September 30, 2025, through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. The program includes nine support measures for the sector.

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Applications are open until September 30, offering grants up to 50% of investment costs and low-interest soft loans.

Minister of Agriculture Anila Denaj, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, and AZHBR Director Ardita Kuçi on Monday urged farmers nationwide to benefit from this program to modernize and expand Albania’s agriculture.

During a visit to Agropika in Lushnjë, they highlighted the scheme’s role in boosting the competitiveness of Albanian products internationally and developing agriculture and agritourism sectors.

The scheme includes nine support measures, financing greenhouses, machinery, crop protection, and agro-processing development.

Special focus this year is attached to agro-processing (20 million euros allocated) and agritourism, which preserves traditions and promotes authentic products.

Soft loans carry a 2% interest rate, with the state covering up to 70% of collateral, helping farmers finance needed investments.

Finance Minister Malaj noted that 20 million euros is allocated for this scheme in 2025, with 45 million euros in subsidies and 250 million euros in soft loans also available, enhanced by a Sovereign Guarantee.

Applications are simplified, with assistance available at agropika offices in 20 cities; final submissions go to AZHBR.

The ministry urges farmers and agro-processors to apply and capitalize on these opportunities to boost sustainable agricultural development. Grants cover 50% of costs, with direct support for early disbursement planned through December.

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Eligible investments include greenhouses, new plantations, irrigation systems, livestock facilities, agrotourism, and equipment for processing and packaging.

Farmers lacking upfront capital can apply for soft loans with 2% interest, with the state covering up to 70% of the required collateral.

Applications are open until September 30, 2025, and assistance is available at regional AREB offices.

This agricultural investment scheme offers a tangible opportunity to increase production capacity, promote innovation, and generate higher income in rural areas.

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The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj said in a televised interview on Thursday that the new National Investment Scheme is centred around supporting investment in infrastructure, livestock and aquaculture projects across Albania.

“The fund of 5 million euros is earmarked to help those involved in livestock farming and fisheries so that they can invest in building greenhouses, stables, agriculture and farming equipment, aquaculture, anti-hail nets and the funding will cover up to 50% of the investment value,” Denaj said.

According to Agriculture Minister, the goal is to give an impetus to the potential of the country’s agricultural production to meet domestic demand and grow agriculture exports.

Denaj said that the online application process is set to begin on September 30, adding that agriculture experts are ready to assist farmers in every step of the process regarding their investment projects.

According to Denaj, Albania’s agriculture exports were valued at around 600 million euros in the end of last year and the country’s target is to increase value of agriculture exports to over one billion euros by 2030.

“Agriculture exports rose 17.7% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2024, with exports to the EU member states edging up by 22%,” she added.

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