At the 10th Raspberry Conference in Kosovo, it was emphasized that raspberry cultivation in the country is a growing success story that should be followed by other agricultural crops.
The conference, organized by the National Association “Raspberry of Kosovo,” was also attended by the acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, who stated that the government will be a partner for farmers, not a spectator.
Kurti highlighted that among the more than 350 participants at the conference were also 30 farmers from Albania who have started cultivating raspberries following the Kosovo model.
“Today’s Kosovo is a success story that is strengthening year by year, a safer country in Europe with institutions professionalizing under the rule of law and healthy public finances. This performance is not by chance; it is the result of sustainable reforms, cooperation with international partners, and the real inclusion of all communities… Currently, around 1,000 hectares are cultivated with raspberries and 180 hectares with blackberries across the country, a strong base that we have increased year by year. Even when it comes to the numbers, we have reasons to be optimistic: the rapid expansion of raspberry cultivation has been exemplary, from around 20 hectares in 2011 to about 1,000 hectares this year, making raspberries one of the agricultural crops with the highest average profit for farmers. Previously, about 96 percent of our production was exported due to low domestic consumption. Today, thanks to the significant increase in demand from our citizens and the shift toward healthy food, exports are around 75 percent… Most of the production goes for export, generating 10 million euros in revenue and sustaining over 2,500 jobs along the value chain,” he said.
The acting Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Imri Demelezi, stated that raspberries are a relatively new crop in Kosovo but a growing success story.
He added that discussions will begin in January for the Agricultural Conference Week to exchange information.
“Raspberries, as a relatively new crop for us and Kosovo, show a growing success story and serve as an example for other sectors… Taking as an example the benefits we have seen in these few agro-food sector conferences in Kosovo, and seeing the success of the raspberry sector and other sectors, through these conferences we exchange information, and in January we will start discussions for organizing the Agricultural Conference Week… We will be the first country in the region to organize an agricultural conference week because Kosovo should be recognized for value-added premium-quality products, as nature has given us this opportunity,” he said.
The Director of the Swiss Caritas Office in Kosovo, Rita Glavitza, highlighted the support they have provided to Kosovo’s farmers.
She stated that the 10th Raspberry Conference has become a strong platform for exchange and innovation.
“Ten years is an important milestone. In agriculture, a decade is not just a measure of time but a measure of sustainability. It represents 10 planting cycles, 10 harvest seasons, and 10 years of facing challenges together. Since the first Raspberry Conference, Caritas Switzerland has been proud to walk this path with Kosovo’s farmers. The first conference was organized by Caritas. We have watched this event grow from a small gathering into a strong platform for exchange and innovation… At Caritas Switzerland, our mission is clear: We believe true development happens when a family has a sustainable income and when young people see a future for themselves right here in their country, in their communities,” she added.
Many farmers attended the 10th Raspberry Conference in Kosovo, where they also presented their products.
