“The instruments are: the state budget, the Rural Development Support Agency, agro-credit and the new financing line of the Albanian Development Bank,” Prime Minister Edi Rama declared on December 15, 2025.
A higher budget, which will be reflected in more subsidies. The return of the 10% refund for farmers on invoices they submit to collectors or processors, as well as the Albanian Development Bank, which is expected to start operating this year, according to the government, are expected to change the “color” of a sector that has lost its influence on the economy in recent years. But do experts in the field share the same opinion?
“All support for agriculture for the past year has been around 50 million euros, a very small figure compared to the countries in the region. North Macedonia has 120 million euros, Kosovo 100 million euros, while Serbia has almost 300 million euros in support from the state budget. So, we are still in low figures,” said agriculture expert Gjok Vuksani.
Around 10 farmers who are equipped with NIPT at the tax office will be able to complete the reimbursement process twice a year for each invoice they submit to the collectors.
“As an idea it could be something positive for reducing the costs of agricultural production, but the devil is in the details. First of all, 30-40% of farmers who sell on the free market have been excluded,” added Vuskani.
Last, but of great importance, is the Albanian Development Bank, which according to Prime Minister Rama is expected to open next year and will offer loans with very low interest rates to finance farmers, where the state will be a 51% shareholder.
“I think more specific policies are needed, like those in the region, which could include interest rate subsidies or state guarantees for collateral. This would ensure that farmers don’t have to be afraid to take out loans,” the expert said.
According to data, about 35% of employees in Albania are engaged in agriculture, or 1 in 3 people earn their living by working in the agricultural sector./Vizion+