Rural Development Programme under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance of the Republic of Albania 2014-2020.

The Rural Development Programme under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPARD II programme) addresses the identified needs and is in full compliance with the objectives of the Inter-sectoral strategy of agriculture and rural development in Albania 2014-2020 (ISARD strategy 2014-2020) for the development of viable agri-food sector and vibrant rural areas. The timeframe of the programme is 7 years between 2014 and 2020. The identified main needs are described, as follows: (i) to increase investments in physical assets in agricultural holdings; (ii) to improve access and quality of advisory services to farmers; (iii) to improve irrigation and drainage infrastructure; (iv) to improve competitiveness of food processing industry; (v) to upgrade physical capital in food industry to comply with Union standards; (vi) to enhance cooperation among the main actors in the agri-food chain; (vii) to improve management of natural resources and resource use efficiency; (viii) to diversify activities and sources of income for farmers; (ix) to develop non-agricultural sectors of rural economy; (x) to improve rural infrastructure, access and quality of basic services in rural areas; (xi) to improve local governance and develop capacity for the implementation of LEADER approach.
The overall performance of agricultural holdings will be improved in the production of primary agricultural products, in order to be consistent with EU Standards as regards environmental protection, food safety, public health and animal welfare. The ability of the agri-food sector will be increased to cope with competitive pressure and market forces. The physical assets of milk, meat, fruits, vegetables and grape sectors will be modernized to improve raw milk and meat hygiene and quality conditions on the farm; to improve animal health and welfare; to promote environmentally friendly and climate relevant manure handling, storage and treatment facilities; to improve production technique and technology; and to reduce post-harvest losses through on-farm investments in storage technology and infrastructure and post-harvest handling equipment. Measures will be taken to strengthen food safety, quality systems and traceability and to improve treatment and handling of waste and use of by-products. The resilience to the impacts of climate change will be increased by promoting resource efficiency and renewable energy.
Farm diversification and business development will be achieved to foster employment by creating new and maintaining the existing jobs, to raise the economic activity level of rural areas, to increase directly the farming households' income and reverse rural depopulation and to contribute to a better territorial balance, both in economic and social terms. Rural activities will be diversified and developed, through support for investments in farm diversification and development of non-agricultural activities in the agricultural sectors, such as: production, processing and marketing of medical and aromatic plants (MAPs), mushrooms and honey; aquaculture; and rural tourism.
The technical assistance actions will be carried out to ensure effective implementation and regular and effective monitoring and evaluation of the Programme. A National Rural Development Network will be established to increase the participation of all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of rural development, including youth and women; raise awareness through information, training and networking; foster innovation in agriculture, food production and forestry in rural areas; transfer knowledge and good practices; address environment and climate issues; and to develop and implement local rural development strategies.