Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe
The APD supports the regional cooperation of the Western Balkan countries, the EU accession process and the sustainability transformation of agriculture
Agriculture in South East Europe
Agriculture is of great economic and social importance in South East Europe. It is characterised by small-scale structures and heterogenous climatic and geographical
conditions, and holds great ecological potential, e.g. in terms of agrobiodiversity. However, climate change and migration pose particular challenges. Agricultural
policy management is hampered by insufficient financial and technical capacities.
The Project
The ministries of agriculture in the partner countries are members of the intergovernmental organisation SWG. In cooperation with SWG, the APD provides substantive technical and financial support for the work of regional working groups on the following topics: Agricultural policy monitoring, soil conservation, women and youth in rural areas, climate adaptation, organic farming, wine, knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS). The project also supports conferences, exposure visits and studies on overarching topics and promotes exchange at the political level.
Project Goals
The policy framework for agriculture and rural development in South East Europe will be strengthened with a view to implementing the EU’s “Green Agenda for the
Western Balkans” and harmonising with the Common Agricultural Policy, including the EU regulations on agriculture and rural development.
Results and Successes
A comprehensive regional study on climate adaptation in the areas of crop and animal production, water, soil and economics was conducted in 2023. On this basis,
climate adaptation programmes for agriculture are being developed for the first time in all six Western Balkan countries. The project results will be directly incorporated into the Berlin Process at the highest political level. With support from by decision of the German Bundestag With the support of the APD, full EU harmonization of the legal framework in the priority areas of the project is realistic in the coming years. The project also supports regional initiatives such as the establishment of a regional Soil Partnership under the FAO’s European Soil Partnership, a cultivation trial of fungus-resistant grape varieties and qualification programmes for extension services.
Project Partners and Cooperations
• Ministries of Agriculture and Environment of partner countries
• Universities and research institutions in South East Europe and Germany Operational Partner
• SWG – Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development in South East Europe
Implementing Organisation
• The Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South East Europe
• IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH
Link to the project website: SWG
Address
Agricultural University of Tirana
Rruga Paisi Vodica 1025
1025 Tiranë
Albanien
