Empowering Greenhouse Farmers in Albania: FAO Launches Farmer Field Schools under B4SDG II Project

Kurtinë, Albania, July 2025 — With a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmer empowerment, FAO launched its new series of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on 1 July 2025 in Lushnje, Albania. The initiative is part of the “Business, Partnerships & Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals” (B4SDG II) project*, implemented with support from the Government of Sweden.

The first training, held in Kurtinë Village, brought together greenhouse vegetable growers, agronomists, and local agri-business professionals to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in greenhouse and soil preparation for transplanting, marking the beginning of a dynamic six-month training cycle set to run from July to December 2025.

“This programme reflects FAO’s continued commitment to working hand in hand with farmers and local institutions to strengthen sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient food systems in Albania,” said Lorena Pullumbi, Assistant FAO Representative in Albania.

Organized in close collaboration with the Municipality of Lushnja, the training kicked off with a highly interactive session focusing on soil fertility, land preparation techniques, and transplanting practices, all tailored to the local context of small-scale greenhouse farming. Participants also gained hands-on experience in soil sampling and analysis, raised bed formation, and mulching techniques.

“Our aim is to support Albanian farmers to adopt good agricultural practices, improve productivity, and reduce costs, while building resilience to climate challenges,” said Sara Businaro, FAO Project Coordinator and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist. “Through these field schools, we are offering practical, locally adapted knowledge that farmers can apply directly in their greenhouses.”

“I’ve been growing tomatoes in my greenhouse for over a decade, but this is the first time I’ve seen such clear guidance on improving soil health. It’s motivating to learn and apply these practices together with others from my community,” said Illir Dingozi, a greenhouse farmer from Kurtinë Village. 

Over the next several months, 14 full-day training sessions will be conducted across two demonstration farms in Kurtinë/Hysgjokaj and Karbunarë, targeting both simple and improved greenhouse systems. Led by seasoned trainers, the curriculum will cover key areas such as:

• Microclimate management
• Pest and disease control (GAP)
• Efficient irrigation and water quality
• Plant nutrition and fertigation
• High-quality seedling selection and grafting
• Agri-business models and financing opportunities

Each session concludes with a farmer-to-farmer reflection circle, a space for dialogue, peer learning, and feedback, held in nearby local venues over refreshments.

“These trainings not only strengthen technical skills, but also help build stronger ties between institutions and the farming community. It’s a big step forward for Lushnja’s agricultural future,” noted Agim Qose, Director of the Department for Agricultural and Rural Development, Municipality of Lushnja.

By the end of 2025, the training is expected to reach many greenhouse growers from the Lushnja region, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge to increase yields, improve quality, and reduce environmental impacts. The experience will also serve as a springboard for expanding the training model to other value chains, with a specific focus on olive and olive oil production in 2026.

The B4SDG II initiative in Albania is an integral part of FAO’s efforts to support inclusive rural transformation and climate-resilient agriculture, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through farmer-led learning and innovation.

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*The project "Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs" is a UN joint project implemented by UNDP (lead), FAO, ILO and UNIDO and funded by the Government of Sweden through Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

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For more information or to register for upcoming sessions, please contact:

Sara Businaro
FAO Project Coordinator and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
FAO Albania
Sara.Businaro@fao.org