PM Edi Rama has visited the dairy farm “Shaka Boboshticë” in Korça, south-eastern Albania, which thanks to a subsidy under the rural development programme, has invested in state of art production technology to improve the quality and enrich its cheese varieties. This dairy farm produces feta cheese of European standards which is expected to access international markets any time soon. This company which cooperates with around 400 local farmers in milk collection controls a considerable part of domestic market and aims to export to regional markets in the future.

“The aim is to export feta cheese to international markets. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA) has invested a total of ALL 15 million through the subsidy scheme. Through selection of projects we have tried to focus on projects that enhance the standard of end product,” ARDA Director Frida Krifca said.

“Thanks to ARDA support, our dairy farm meets the European quality and safety standards,” the entrepreneur said, adding that his company has been operating for a year now and it will keep growing and expanding in the years to come.

Prime Minister Edi Rama put the emphasis on formalization of milk and by-products market with view to increasing the farmers’ benefits but also the quality of the dairy product that goes to the consumer.

“It is important to link up collection points so they do not end up selling in the street,” PM Rama said among others.

With the government financial assistance, the investor has modernized dairy farms to align with EU standards, rules and best practices, and has increased production capacities and workforce.

The rural development program is designed to promote local traditional products in each area of the country in a bid to consolidate local economy and generate employment. The financial support is helping local producers to enhance production capacities, meet highest quality and safety standards.