With funding from USAID, IFDC is implementing a 3-year, extendible project that builds on its previous work in Albania aimed at nurturing private sector-led growth in agriculture and agribusiness. Its main goal is to build networks and systems that promote and support agribusiness development (e.g., trade associations, access to capital and credit, and policy reform). The Assistance to Albanian Agricultural Trade Associations (AAATA) project has helped to establish seven trade associations and works through them and individual progressive member enterprises to develop industry clusters and improve backward and forward linkages. During the first two years, project priority clients, using their own resources and bank credit, have invested over US $12 million in agribusiness, including state-of-the-art greenhouses and edible oil processing equipment. The hundreds of members in the seven associations have increased their production and revenues by an average of over 60 % in 2 years and employment by 25%, while replacing imported food products and exploring niche export markets. The focus of the project is on labor-intensive, high-value crops and food products that have a comparative advantage in the region. The project is establishing a business and management center to ensure sustainability of the institutions and business services to support the AAATA platforms for agribusiness growth. Technical assistance to public institutions aims to improve food quality and regulations and the availability of reliable agricultural survey and statistical information for decision makers.

Some recent accomplishments include:

• The project established the Albanian Alliance of Agribusiness Trade Associations (KASH in Albanian acronym) as a national advocacy association comprising 16 trade and agricultural associations, and an Agribusiness and Business Management Center (ABMC) was also established to provide common administration and commercial services to trade associations.
   
• The first national congress of KASH was attended by almost 1,000 delegates including trade association members, government officials, political parties and donors. The U.S. Ambassador addressed the Congress and praised IFDC for working to establish the organization.
   
• Two Israeli, high-tech greenhouses were installed by project clients. Israeli and IFDC consultants provided technical assistance. The first winter production of tomatoes in Albania was harvested with excellent economic returns to the investors.
   
• The Credit Union of the Albanian Fertilizer and Agricultural Inputs Dealers’ Association (AFADA) reached a milestone of US $100,000 in deposit.
    
• IFDC was awarded a two-year, US $5.6 million extension to the AAATA project to consolidate KASH and agribusiness developments in fruit and vegetables, olives, poultry, and the spice and herbal products sector. Supplementary funding was also obtained from the U.S. Forestry Service.
   
• Claude Freeman, Chief of Party in Albania, received a Gold Medal for services to Albanian agriculture by the Government of Albania.

Return to Programs/Projects