Celebrating Food, Farmers, and the Future in Albania

On World Food Day 2025, Albania marked a milestone moment for food systems and rural development, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at Fustanella Farm in Petrelë.

The event brought together national leadership, international partners, farmers, and civil society to highlight the power of collaboration in transforming agrifood systems. Among the participants were the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania, Andis Salla; United Nations Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald; FAO Representative Raimund Jehle; and many partners and friends.

The celebration underscored a shared commitment between government institutions, farmers, civil society, and international organizations to place farmers and their innovations at the heart of Albania’s food system transformation.

Four Betters, One Future

Under the theme “Four Betters, One Future,” the event honored four exceptional Food Heroes whose work embodies innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and resilience across Albania’s agrifood sector:

• Ylver Bylykbashi, an orchard farmer from Korça, is modernizing agricultural production through the use of digital tools.
• Majlinda Mehmeti, leader of a women’s agribusiness network in Leskovik, is preserving traditional recipes and promoting local products while strengthening women’s economic empowerment.
• Denis Agolli, an organic olive farmer from Belsh, is pioneering sustainable farming practices and mentoring fellow producers.
• Mirjeta Imeraj, a young biology teacher and biocontrol specialist from Tropoja, is protecting chestnut forests while supporting rural livelihoods.

Food at the Heart of Sustainable Development

The celebration reinforced a central message: food is not only about what reaches our plates. It lies at the core of health, livelihoods, environmental protection, culture, economies, and the future of the planet.

Transforming food systems means transforming how societies produce, consume, and care for both people and the environment. In Albania, a vibrant network of farmers, researchers, civil society organizations, and international partners is working together to align agricultural policies with the EU acquis, promote sustainable and digital farming, and empower women and young people as agents of change.

Turning Vision into Action

A key example of this collaboration is the Albania Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) Joint Programme, supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund and implemented by FAO, ILO, and ITU on behalf of the UN team in Albania. The programme demonstrates how coordinated UN action can translate vision into tangible results, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

A Shared Commitment to the Future

As FAO celebrates 80 years of leadership, knowledge, and partnership, the event served as both a reflection on progress and a call to action. By working hand in hand, Albania and its partners are building better food systems—and a better future—for all.

Hand in hand for better food and a better future. 🌱