Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla signed a cooperation agreement today under the Toka project. The agreement involves the municipalities of Devoll, Ersekë, Maliq, Pogradec, and Korçë, as well as the University of Korçë. It paves the way for testing a new collaboration model for agriculture and rural development.

The project, funded by the Albanian-American Development Fund (AADF) in partnership with Wageningen University in the Netherlands, will pilot the Dutch Diamond Model in the Korçë region.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Salla emphasized that the project represents a new approach to agricultural development. He said: “The Toka project creates a cooperation model that connects institutions, scientific knowledge, innovation, and farmers to build a modern and competitive agriculture sector.”

According to the minister, the project aims to develop eco-agriculture pathways, establish the Agricultural Knowledge and Information System, strengthen food security, and boost capacities in education and research. He added: “This cooperation is a concrete step toward a sustainable agricultural sector aligned with European Union standards.”

The event brought together several key figures. Parliament Speaker and Korçë political leader Niko Peleshi attended. So did mayors Sotiraq Filo, Eduard Duro, Gëzim Topçiu, Erion Isai, Ilir Xhakolli, the University of Korçë rector, and AADF representatives.

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