Advancing Sustainability: Albania Expands Quality Standards in Agribusiness
In a landmark step towards a greener economy and sustainable agribusiness sector, Albania’s agribusiness sector achieved a significant milestone in July 2024 with the approval of the National Interpretation Guideline (NIG) by the GlobalG.A.P Secretariat. This achievement, spearheaded by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG) with the support of SDC project implemented by Helvetas, RisiAlbania, underscores Albania's commitment to integrating global sustainability standards into its agricultural practices.
As the only non-EU Balkan country to establish an NTWG since 2021, Albania has made substantial progress in implementing GLOBALG.A.P. standards, including GRASP, which addresses essential social standards. The recent approval of the NIG builds on the earlier success of the GRASP Module for Albania, which adapts global standards to local needs, making the audit and consulting processes more accessible and cost-effective.
This development is particularly significant as Albania works toward EU membership, where the adoption of quality standards in agribusiness is crucial for the sector's sustainability. By embracing these standards, Albania is not only enhancing the quality of its agricultural exports but also promoting sustainable practices that contribute to the green economy.