Albanian delegation engages in productive study tour in Turkey to enhance chestnut sector practices in the country

Ankara, Turkey – September 25, 2024 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Albania organized a study visit to Turkey last week, aimed at enhancing knowledge and practices in the chestnut sector. The visit included a series of meetings, field visits, and discussions with key partners from the agricultural and forestry sectors. As part of this initiative, an Albanian delegation initiated a five-day study tour in Turkey from September 16 to 20, visiting Ankara, Izmir and Aydın. The tour was organized under FAO's Sustainable Chestnut Value Chain Project, within the One Country One Product (OCOP) framework, and provided a valuable opportunity for both governmental and private sector participants to gain firsthand insights into the institutional and technical aspects of developing a sustainable chestnut value chain in Albania.

The first day was filled with enriching experiences. The delegation visited the FAO SEC Office in Ankara and held meetings with the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), where they discussed cooperation efforts and exchanged views on innovation and research. Albanian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arian Jaupllari met with Turkish Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ahmet Bağcı, to discuss agricultural development and future collaboration between the two countries, with particular focus on the EU accession process.

Albanian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Arian Jaupllari emphasized the importance for the Turkish experience for chestnut value chain development and required Turkish support during EU accession path.

The delegation has the opportunity to meet with officials from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) headquarters, paving the way for future joint projects between Albania and Türkiye. TIKA has been a key supporter of this tour, having financed part of the visit.

Over the course of the tour, the delegation participated in a series of insightful visits designed to strengthen ties and learn about local agricultural practices. The group was welcomed by the Governor of Aydın, Yakup Canbolat, where discussions focused on regional agricultural development and potential cooperation opportunities. They also met with İbrahim Altıntaş, Director of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, to explore local agricultural policies and strategies. One of the highlights of the second day was a visit to the Fig Research Institute, where Birgül Ertan provided valuable insights into Türkiye's chestnut sector. The Albanian delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the research and innovations driving chestnut production in Turkey.

“This study visit aims to foster cooperation between Albania and Türkiye in sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in chestnut production, processing and marketing, while strengthening professional connections between agricultural experts from both countries,” stressed Agim Pepkolaj, Programme Support Specialist and OCOP Coordinator, FAO Albania.

Additionally, the Albanian delegation had the opportunity to visit chestnut producers, production lands, chestnut seedling companies, and business partners in Kuşadası. 

The chestnut value chain is a key focus of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) program in Albania, a global FAO initiative designed to help countries identify and leverage the potential of special agricultural products. The program aims to facilitate access to stable markets and serves as a critical entry point for achieving national priorities and special agricultural products are those that are unique to specific agroecological production systems or hold significant national or cultural heritage.

More on this topic

One Country One Product (OCOP) webpage
Regional Knowledge Platform on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) in Europe and Central Asia — Albania
Sustainable chestnut production boosts rural development
Using one wasp to fight another: FAO establishes biological control plan to protect Albanian chestnuts