FAO in support of partners in finalizing the Action Plan for the sustainable use of plant protection products

FAO in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) completed consultations with key project actors to support the finalization of the Action Plan for the sustainable use of plant protection products (PPP). Based on previous consultations, a roadmap with recommendations on the areas for intervention was presented at a meeting with line ministries and other key stakeholders.

Present at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ermira Gjeçi, praised the work done in cooperation with FAO, and stressed the importance of consultations with stakeholders to discuss the roadmap and areas for improving the draft action plan.

The project aims to support MARD for the implementation of the action and training plan for the staff. Part of the intervention is the exchange of experiences with EU countries already implementing the action plan on pesticides.

Speaking on the added value of the project to improving Albania’s capacities in the area of plant protection, the FAO’s Project Manager in Albania, Agim Pepkolaj said: “We at FAO are encouraging the Albanian government to maintain its commitment to ensure that integrated pest management (IPM) is one of the key aspects of the action plan and the training plan should be implemented and promoted to government officials, farmers, and plant protection companies”.

The action plan 2022-2032 for sustainable use of PPP in Albania and training plan are prepared in consultation with FAO experts and technical working group from beneficiary government entities such as: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority, Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary, National Food Authority), Ministry of Tourism and Environment and Ministry of Health. MARD plan to publish the action plan for any additional suggestions before the final action plan is endorsed and officially published.  

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the development of an action plan for the sustainable use of plant protection products and to the improvement of the capacities of the various actors involved in the plant protection sector. The action plan includes implementation activities in Albania (legal, organizational, technical) aimed at reducing the risks to human or animal health, as well as the environment, arising from the use of pesticides.