Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the olive grove on social networks, emphasizing that the activity, launched in 2009, continues to develop with the support of the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR).

“Risili, Vlora – Since 2009, “Bregu i Lofatave” cultivates around 4,000 olive trees and produces extra virgin olive oil, which is exported to Europe and the USA, while with the support of AZHBR, investments are being made in mechanization, processing and packaging,” Rama wrote.

Florian Shkoza, the farmer who manages the olive grove, said that the experience gained during 20 years of living and working in Tuscany, Italy, has also been applied in Vlora.

“There are about 4,000 olive trees, which we have started planting since 2009. I lived in Tuscany for 20 years, and we have applied here the experience gained there in this type of profession,” he said.

He said that they produce premium olive oil, which is marketed in several European countries and the USA, while thanks to the cooperation with AZHBR, new steps have been taken to modernize the activity.

According to him, the latest investments include agricultural mechanization, as well as lines for packaging, storing and labeling olive oil.

“We have a long-standing collaboration with AZHBR, but we recently applied to AZHBR for three projects included in two measures, the Measure for agricultural mechanics, which we have already materialized with the introduction of machinery, and Measure 15 for packaging, storage and labeling lines,” he said. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

In his speech, at a meeting with olive oil processing entrepreneurs in Berat, Rama emphasized that the oil scheme’s 60,000 beneficiaries bear little relation to the actual agricultural production landscape.

“Our goal is not to reduce support for legitimate agricultural users, but to prevent the misappropriation of fuel, ensuring oil is used only for its intended agricultural purpose,” said the prime minister.

“There have been cases when someone who lives in the city and owns the land benefited from the oil support scheme, while the one who tilled the land was left without any real benefit”, said Rama.

The prime minister also emphasized that the current scheme has failed to boost agricultural production and modifying it is not expected to reduce output.

“Those who have produced have continued to grow regardless of the scheme”, emphasized Rama. /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

Rama emphasized that the decisions of the Transparency Board reflect the impact of international developments on the oil market, aiming to avoid abuses to the detriment of consumers.

According to him, in the Mediterranean Stock Exchange there has been a decrease in the prices of the main oil by-products, a development that was immediately reflected in the country.

The prime minister emphasized that the Board does not set prices arbitrarily and does not violate supply capacities.

“The Board monitors pricing and prevents operators from exploiting consumers”, said the prime minister.

Rama added that the Board’s role is to ensure transparency and intervene in case of violations. /a.f/p.s./

During the meeting of the National Assembly of the Socialist Party, the prime minister focused on the direct economic strain from spiking oil prices as a result of the situation in the Middle East.

“The US-Iran conflict is no longer a distant crisis. Its immediate economic ripple effects are causing pain at the pump for consumers everywhere”, said Rama.

According to him, “Oil prices have surged and are projected to rise further”.

For this reason, the prime minister informed that the government has activated the Transparency Board, which it has used before in similar situations.

Another decision taken, according to the head of government, is the reduction of the excise tax on oil by 20%, every day when the price will jump above the ceiling of 220 lekë per liter.

“So far, we do not see an impact on other prices”, said Rama.

The prime minister emphasized that although the duration of this phase is uncertain, the government is prioritizing pensioners. /a.g/p.s./

Denaj said that during the meeting they discussed on promotion of cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on Albanian products such as olive oil, honey and medicinal plants.

“We also discussed the possibility of Albania’s participation in the International Horticulture Exhibition (Green Expo 2027), at the invitation of Japan”, said Denaj.

According to her, this is an event of global significance, which aims to address major issues such as sustainable development, food security and biodiversity protection.

“The International Horticulture Exhibition (Green Expo 2027) will be a valuable space to promote agriculture and strengthen Albanian agrotourism”, said the minister. /r.e//a.f/p.s./

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj stated today that Albanian olive oil production brands are increasing their presence in the markets of the European Union and beyond.

Denaj shared in the social media the story of the “Musai Olive Oil” company, which was present at the fair that opened in Greece on Sunday.

“”Musai Olive Oil”, an Albanian brand that makes us proud in many countries of the European Union and beyond. With extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality, this brand from Vlora has gained the trust of international markets, promoting the “Made in Albania” production, “ wrote Denaj.

The minister said that with a network of over 1500 local farmers, this company provides the raw material, supporting the local economy and increasing the value of the product.

According to her, the company offers employment opportunities with competitive salaries and quality conditions.

The majority of Albanian olive oil exports go to the United States and European markets, the rest to neighboring countries such as Kosovo and North Macedonia. /j.p/p.s./

Regarding the oil in Shpirag, Rama said that, “One of the largest companies in the world was there in operation, exploration. There was discovered a very large oil reserve, but due to the extreme complex geology and the geological massif of Shpirag, the cost of extraction with the company’s existing technology turned out to be very high”.

“We are working on a solution. Let’s see. But don’t rejoice when something good for Albania is delayed. Don’t rejoice because this is not for me. Get rid of this habit that the opposition leader has taught you to rejoice when something good for Albania is delayed or does not happen,” said Rama. /jp/p.s./

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj appreciated this award as an international high evaluation and growth of Made in Albania products.

“The Shkalla enterprise, she said, with a 14-year experience in the field of olive oil production, has managed to become a well-known name in the international market, winning a prestigious award at the “PREMIO BIOL 2024” in Italy. In front of 483 competitors, of which 53 from the world, 130 Europeans and 300 Italians, the “Shkalla” enterprise received the “EXTRA GOLD MEDAL” as well as the “BIOL ALBANIA” award.

“This achievement confirms the growth and confidence in “Made in Albania” products on the international stage, conveying a positive message about the quality and dedication of Albanian producers,” said Denaj. /p.s./

The “Shkalla” olive oil factory is one of the businesses that produces olive oil for export.

Established in 1996 by Shpresa Shkalla, this factory is working with dedication to bring extra virgin, organic olive oil to the consumer.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Anila Denaj highlighted the example of this business that “integrates factory production with modern technology and tradition to bring a unique, high-quality product that goes to the local market and for export to Germany and Switzerland “.

“Shkalla” olive oil will be part of the Albanian stand at the Biofach 2024 fair in Germany, in context of government support to promote local products to new export markets./p.s./

Official data from the company show that the oil production declined compared to 2022, when the company produced a total of 70.500 tons of oil.

Around half of the oil production or 48% of total quantity was extracted from the Gorisht-Kocul oilfield, with a total production of 32.900 metric tons. According to Albpetrol, the oilfield is home to 284 vertical wells, with 142 of them being active wells.

Kuçova oilfield ranked second in terms of oil production in 2023, with the oil extraction estimated at 16.400 tons, accounting for 23.9% of the total.

A total of 12000 tons was extracted from the Cakran-Mollaj oilfield and 3800 tons in Patos oilfield in 2023.

/u.sh/