In the presence of government, donor, academic and civil society representatives Biznes Albania and the Albanian Agribusiness Council (KASH) introduced an initiative to register and equip farmers with electronic cards in an effort to formalise the agricultural sector.
“The Farmers’ Electronic Register and Card are useful and innovative tools to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and reduce its informality”, said Swiss Ambassador Christoph Graf whose government supports the improvement of business climate in Albania. He added that such a step improves the framework conditions in which agribusiness operate, but cautioned on the approach to implement formalisation: “Major changes are more sustainable, if they are introduced in a gradual manner” and “are better accepted, if they build on both, an approach of sticks and carrots” said Ambassador Graf.
Minister of Agriculture Edmond Panariti said that overall agriculture has grown by 8.1% in 2015 compared to 2014 while some exports have grown by over 40%. “For this reason I consider today’s meeting very valid, as it aims at exactly to create and consolidate the public and private partnership as part of a sustainable value chain”, said Minister Panariti.
Biznes Albania Director Luan Bregasi and the Director of the Albanian Agribusiness Council (KASH) Agim Rrapaj called for a close cooperation between government and private businesses in the framework of formalising agriculture.
With support from the Italian government, Albania has started the preparation of a national electronic farm register, a comprehensive database with the latest information on the agricultural sector in the country. Registered farmers will then be issued an electronic card that can be used to benefit from VAT exemption, subsidies, and other support schemes. Business Albania and KASH (Albanian Agricultural Council) have worked and prepared the road map for introducing the electronic card in recent months.
The forum served to bring together experts, policy-makers, decision-makers, agribusiness owners and service providers on the sensitive issue of formalisation. During the forum, experts and academics discussed the current concerns of the agricultural sector and the challenges associated with the formalisation of farmers.
According to assessments done Biznes Albania and KASH, if the agricultural sector is supported correctly there is a potential for 10,000 jobs for young people in the first 3 months, and the possibility to generate up to 100,000 jobs for the rural population in the next few years.
Swiss support through RisiAlbania enabled today’s forum in the framework of efforts to improve the business environment and enable youth employment. The project boosts an enabling climate for Albanian businesses , builds capacities in marketing, organic certification and information technology, and strengthens business associations.
