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EU-funded project to transform agricultural training and innovation in Albania
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > EU-funded project to transform agricultural training and innovation in Albania
  • From 23 to 25 June 2025, the partners of the EU funded INSIST-VAT project (Institutional, Sustainable and Innovative Strengthening of Vocational Agricultural Training in Albania) met at the Agricultural University of Tirana.
  • CIHEAM Zaragoza works with leading institutions in this project to establish a permanent training centre in Albania and develop innovative training initiatives adapted to the needs of the sector and the demands of the job market.

A new European Union-funded project is set to boost agricultural training, knowledge exchange, and rural innovation in Albania, with CIHEAM Zaragoza playing a key role as a partner institution. The INSIST-VAT project (Institutional, Sustainable and Innovative Strengthening of Vocational Agricultural Training in Albania) will establish a permanent training centre at the Agricultural University of Tirana by 2027. This centre will provide modern, practical training programmes for farmers, agricultural advisors, and institutional staff across Albania.

Supporting Albania's agricultural future

The project directly supports Albania's national rural development strategy, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in January 2022, which identifies agricultural knowledge as essential for building sustainable food systems. By creating accessible, high-quality training opportunities, INSIST-VAT will help Albanian farmers adapt to climate change and compete in global markets.

"This project is a clear step forward in strengthening an agricultural knowledge system that serves Albanian farmers and producers. By tailoring training to local needs and strengthening regional ties" said Fatbardh Sallaku, Rector of the Agricultural University of Tirana. "We are investing in a future where Albanian farmers can thrive in a changing climate and global market".

Strong international partnership

INSIST-VAT brings together eight partner organisations from four countries. From Albania, the project includes the Agricultural University of Tirana, the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre Fushë Krujë, and the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre Korçë. French partners comprise CIHEAM Montpellier (serving as project coordinator), the Agricultural Technical Coordination Association (ACTA), and the Association for Quality in Research and Higher Education (QUARES). The University of Prishtina represents Kosovo, whilst CIHEAM Zaragoza brings Spanish expertise to the consortium.

First steps underway

The project was officially launched in January 2025, with the first steering committee meeting held in Tirana from 23 to 24 June. This event brought together all consortium partners to review progress, align on key objectives, and engage with Albanian stakeholders during a high-level workshop on "New challenges for agriculture - new knowledge needs" which took place on 25 June. During the workshop, CIHEAM Zaragoza director, Raúl Compés, chaired a round table discussion on “The role of cooperation in the Albanian agricultural vocational education and training system and regional perspectives”.

The meeting included a visit to the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre Fushë Krujë, giving partners direct insight into local agricultural innovation efforts.

Building long-term impact

Project coordinator Christophe Mur from CIHEAM Montpellier explained the project's broader vision: "INSIST-VAT goes beyond delivering training; it aims to build a long-term knowledge system that enables Albanian farmers and institutions, and ultimately the ones in Kosovo, to drive agricultural transformation from the ground up."

The new training centre will become a cornerstone of Albania's Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) – a key pillar for building sustainable food systems and calls for accessible, high-quality training to strengthen producer capacity–, advancing vocational education and aligning with European quality standards. By engaging national departments and regional actors, the project will also help to ensure the long-term sustainability of training services and knowledge-sharing mechanisms.

Project details

INSIST-VAT is funded through the EU's Erasmus+ programme for Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training, with a total budget of €395,674. The project runs until December 2027.

The initiative focuses on improving employment prospects and resilience for crop farmers in Albania, a member country of CIHEAM (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies).