The IPARD 3 program will open in September this year, bringing €118 million in new funding for Albania’s agriculture sector. Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj announced this during a public meeting with farmers on the National Scheme 2026. The event also gathered Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, and Minister of Agriculture Andis Salla.

Minister Malaj emphasized the remarkable progress made in agriculture during the past decade. He pointed out that both the budget and export levels have grown significantly.

“In 2013, agriculture had a budget of only €34 million,” Malaj said. “We closed 2025 with €162 million—five times higher. Exports rose from about €120 million to over €500 million. Greenhouse areas tripled from 700 to 2,100 hectares. Irrigated land expanded from 120,000 to nearly 300,000 hectares.”

Moreover, Malaj noted that such progress reflects the government’s consistent support for farmers and rural communities.

Malaj then outlined the four main components of the government’s support model for 2026.

“The government aims to build a model that supports farmers directly,” he explained. “First, the grant scheme will provide €20 million in funding next year. Second, direct subsidies will total €31 million. Third, the sovereign guarantee will offer farmers soft loans with a 2% interest rate. Finally, VAT compensation will support all farmers selling products after January 1, 2026.”

He further explained that farmers must collect invoices and submit them to tax authorities twice a year—on June 1 and January 30—to receive 10% compensation on the total value.

“With these measures,” Malaj said, “we are confident that IPARD 3 will open in September, adding another €118 million to the sector.”

Minister of Agriculture Andis Salla underlined the importance of direct consultation. So far, the ministry has held 18 meetings with farmers and plans to complete 23 in total to finalize the National Scheme.

“We want to build this scheme together,” Salla said. “So far, we have listened carefully to farmers’ ideas and proposals. Around €52 million will go directly to farmers as grants. At the same time, we are reviewing new ways to support sectors like livestock and beekeeping.”

Furthermore, Salla explained that the ministry and the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA) are working closely to simplify procedures. “We aim to make applications easier, adjust livestock criteria, and resolve issues related to land leases and property certificates. Our goal is to align the national scheme with the fuel support program and ensure a fair, transparent process,” he added.

In conclusion, both ministers expressed strong confidence in the future of Albanian agriculture. Through increased investment, open dialogue, and effective use of EU programs, the government seeks to strengthen competitiveness, modernize rural areas, and empower local farmers.