Hearings with farmers on the National Support Scheme 2026 are continuing across the country to complete the overview of the demands and needs identified in each region and to build the scheme based on as complete a picture as possible of the reality on the ground.

At the next hearing held today with farmers in Divjakë, Prime Minister Edi Rama was also present. He focused on the use of the opportunities created beyond the state budget, which now represents only one component of the agricultural financing chain.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Thank you very much for this meeting. I am very pleased that we could meet each other again here in this area since the elections. I am glad to be here again as part of this cycle of hearings organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Minister of Agriculture with his team, to review the entire support plan for this year.

The Minister of Finance spoke with concrete figures, which I believe are meaningful, but I want to focus on another aspect related to unexploited opportunities. We are used to referring to the state budget, but today the state budget is only one component of the agricultural financing chain. Naturally, the state budget is the simplest component, because it is determined by the government, approved by Parliament and reaches farmers through a direct channel, which is the relevant application process. The other components are somewhat more demanding, but they are components that will become increasingly present and that everyone must try to learn and be capable of using.

I can state clearly that today in our country the issue of financing projects and activities is not a problem in financial terms, because money exists. What is a problem is the lack of information and the lack of preparation to absorb those funds.

The same applies to matters related to the European Union. We will have more funds from the EU, but EU funds are directly linked to our ability to absorb them. This depends on how prepared the sectors are and how prepared entrepreneurs are. This does not require complicated things, but it does require elements that cannot be avoided, related to a file that must contain a project and the arguments demonstrating that the project is viable and should be financed.

We have made available to agriculture 250 million euros, which can reach up to one billion euros if utilised through the Bank of Albania and second level banks. Anyone can go and obtain loans guaranteed by the state, with interest rates significantly lower than those applied outside this guarantee.

How much has this guarantee been used? Very little. Why? Not because there is no need. There is a need, but in order to use this guarantee, preparation is required. A project file must be prepared and submitted to the bank, explaining what is planned, why it will generate profit and why support should be granted. In this regard, there is a shortcoming that we have not yet properly addressed, which concerns local government. I do not speak specifically about the Municipality of Divjakë, but municipalities must be far more active in cooperating with farmers to facilitate access to these financings.

There should be no problem if agro processing components are needed in an agricultural area. There should be no problem if collection of components, additional facilities or logistics are needed. Why? Because municipalities and farmers can create joint structures or joint companies to obtain these financings. The funds are there.

The state does have a duty to stand close to agriculture and farmers, as it does everywhere else, because this is a sector with vulnerability and one that requires support to function properly. This is not disputed.

At the same time, to grow, strengthen and become larger, farmers must think on a larger scale. There are concrete examples of success here today. Operating alone may ensure survival, but it does not allow growth or profitability. Cooperation based on shared interest enables coordinated production, joint selling, larger volumes and success. These volumes can then be collected, stored, processed and brought to market at the right time.

Instead of exporting only fresh products directly from the fields, part of the production must be processed domestically to generate added value for both the domestic and foreign markets. Albania still has a very small number of agro-processing facilities, which is unacceptable.

Climate change has altered global realities, and agriculture is directly affected, and we don’t make exception. European integration also requires preparation. If EU food safety standards are not met, sales will be restricted even within the domestic market. Although this may seem distant, time passes quickly and preparation must begin now.

What we can do, as a government, in terms of the budget, support and with regard to infrastructure related to irrigation, particularly drainage and protection, we will do and we will continue to do by increasing funding, but in order to make a leap forward and become much more successful, everyone must be informed and prepare what is necessary to obtain more financing, and more financing does not come from the budget; more financing comes from other instruments. However, achieving a real leap forward requires better information, preparation and the use of financial instruments beyond the budget, including Bank of Albania credit lines, the Development Bank, AgroCredit and EU funds.

I have told the Minister that the establishment of small agro-processing enterprises, which over time will also become larger, is a necessity. It is strategic and must be done now.

To always be in control of the price and to impose the market in every situation, so that not a single gram of that production goes without you receiving the full value that you need or that you consider you deserve for the effort you have made.

Thank you very much, and you will continue the discussion with the Minister.