TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector.
Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted growth in greenhouses, fruit farming, livestock, agro-processing, exports and new farm organisation models.
Meanwhile, the minister said current data no longer provide enough information for decision-making. He stressed that Albania needs a new agriculture census based on European and international standards.
The census will cover all agricultural units that use farmland or carry out farming and livestock activities. Authorities aim to include at least 98% of agricultural land and livestock units across Albania.
In addition, Salla said the process will follow European Union standards and Eurostat recommendations. It will create a complete picture of Albanian agriculture, including data on farms, land use, crops, livestock, machinery, workforce and production practices.
The minister added that census results will support sector policies, public investment planning and national agricultural support schemes. They will also help Albania prepare for the implementation of the European Union’s common agricultural policy.
Salla said the bill also provides for a statistical register of agricultural units. He stressed that the register will not be fiscal or used for controls. It will only produce official statistics and protect farmers’ personal data.
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