Organic Farming Could Provide Opportunity in Albania

Editor’s Note:  The debate over fair trade and social entrepreneurship often focuses on Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  But there is another region rich in culture, beautiful landscapes, hard-working people, and great products:  Southeastern Europe, often referred to as the Balkans.  We start today with Albania and its organic farming future.

Twenty years ago Albania was the poorest country in Eastern Europe.  Enver Hoxha’s forty years of control left the small Balkan nation an economic basket case.  But after a painful transition from communism to a free market economy, Albania has huge potential.  The services sector is growing, the country boasts abundant natural resources, and enjoys rich farmland and warm weather.

Organic farming is in its infancy in Albania.  Currently few producers exist, and not many  stores sell organic fruits and vegetables.  Nevertheless, the Albanian government is trying to help support organic farmers by subsidizing the costs of organic certification and assist with the planting of more olive trees. To that end, organic olive oil could help boost jobs and exports in Albania.  By 2013, 20 million trees will be planted throughout Albania, and last year, the nation’s first organic olive oil factory opened.  Since consumer awareness of organic products is almost non-existent in this country, exports may be the best option for Albanian olive oil producers and other farmers.

Albania has long enjoyed ties with Italy, which is only a few hours by ferry--Italians have long enjoyed Albania’s sun-drenched coast.  The Italian connection could be a first step for Albanian products arriving on the world’s stage.  The challenge is a huge one for the small countries in southeastern Europe.  Agricultural giants like the United States, Brazil, and China have the advantages of scale--and in the US, subsidies.  But centuries of farming know-how, paired with modern technology, organic techniques and a few timely breaks--could help Albania’s farmers, many of whom are still living off the land at a subsistence level.