TIRANA, June 8 – Deputy Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Fatmir Guri said farmers must prepare for higher requirements and standards linked to European Union integration during a parliamentary hearing on EU accession negotiations.
Meanwhile, Guri presented progress in negotiations covering agriculture and rural development. He also addressed food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary standards, fisheries and aquaculture.
He said Chapter 11 remains one of the most complex due to institutional and administrative demands. He added that the chapter does not close through legal alignment alone. It also requires capacity to manage agricultural funds under EU standards.
In addition, he outlined three key milestones. These include an integrated administration and control system. They also include a payment agency aligned with EU standards. A third milestone covers stronger financial management, control and audit systems.
Guri said the chapter is essential because it covers land parcel identification. It also covers farm-level agricultural data.
At the same time, he said the government awaits European Commission feedback on a plan submitted on April 30.
Earlier, he said authorities completed the initial digitalisation of agricultural land parcels. Pilot farmer declarations are also under way. They test methodology and identify practical issues. As a result, authorities aim to extend the system to around 150,000 farmers by 2030.
In addition, Guri said the government sent a draft law on agricultural markets to the European Commission for opinion. The draft aims to align trade systems with EU requirements.
Finally, he said integration into the single market requires standards, product identity, traceability and clear rules. He added that the National Scheme 2026 is being revised to align gradually with the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Farmers and administration must adapt to stricter requirements.
/a.p./
The post EU integration: Deputy minister urges farmers to prepare for higher standards appeared first on RTSH English.
