Activities in Albania under the One Country One Priority Product initiative

Chestnut production in Albania has the potential to transform the livelihoods of marginalized communities, particularly in the mountain areas of Tropoja, Malësia e Madhe, Shkodër, Dibër, Bulqizë, Pukë, Fushë-Arrëz, Vau i Dejës, Librazhd and Pogradec. However, this is not without potential challenges, including forest renewal, disease management and an underdeveloped value chain.

Chestnut production in Albania, once high in export potential, has declined due to poor management practices and pervasive disease. Most chestnut fruits are sold locally in Albania and exported as fresh products to countries such as Italy and Hungary without added value from processing, packaging or labeling. This significantly diminishes the potential income for local communities.

In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, is revitalizing the chestnut value chain in the Tropoja region of Albania. Collaborating with local institutions and actors, FAO in Albania has achieved significant milestones in green production, pest management, storage and planning activities on green processing.

Background of the projects

1. Sustainable chestnut value chain (June 2023 to February 2025): This project focuses on enhancing chestnut production through improved management, post-harvest handling and processing to improve the livelihoods of farm families in mountainous regions.
2. Empowering local communities for economic development in the Tropoja region (April 2024 to July 2024): Funded by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland under the United Nations Joint Programme, this project aims to strengthen the production and processing capacities of smallholders in the value chain.

Both projects are being implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania and local governments.

Key achievements

1. Cold storage facility: FAO facilitated the establishment of a cold storage room, inaugurated on 24 May 2024 at the Chestnut Hill Hotel in Tropoja by Mia Marzouk, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland, and Anila Denaj, Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. This investment benefits the local community by improving storage capacities for agricultural products. FAO in Albania, with support from the British Embassy in Tirana and other partners, aims to continue these initiatives and expand them to other municipalities, ensuring a better future for the chestnut industry in Albania and the communities that depend on it.
2. Biological control programme: FAO has worked to combat Asian chestnut gall wasps by breeding Torymus sinensis in a laboratory in Bajram Curri and releasing the beneficial insect parasitoids in the field to control the wasps. This intervention is expected to continue for up to 10 years, and FAO, in agreement with Ministry of Agriculture, is planning extend the programme to other municipalities.
3. Silviculture activities: Demonstration plots showcase best practices in silviculture and pest and disease management, aiming to improve chestnut tree health. Collaborative efforts with Kosovo[1] counterparts aim to enhance regional cooperation in agricultural development.

Workshop on sustainable chestnut development in Albania

On 29–30 May 2024, the city of Bajram Curri hosted an workshop on the sustainable development of the chestnut value chain. The workshop brought together 40 people, including partners from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and representatives from various municipalities, donors and implementing partners. The workshop highlighted significant project achievements and helped identify opportunities to further the implementation of this initiative in Albania and Kosovo.

Scientific presentations were provided by international and local experts, and the FAO team and knowledgeable scientific researchers guided the audience on field visits to chestnut forests and the newly established lab for pest control.

The second day of the workshop fostered group discussions on addressing chestnut diseases and building cooperation with Kosovar counterparts. Participants also visited the village of Markaj, where they observed the release of biological control agents and advanced silviculture practices in action.

The seminar offered valuable knowledge and practical demonstrations and promoted cross-border cooperation and innovative techniques.