The Agricultural Growth and Rural Opportunities (AGRO) Activity aims to develop a more competitive agriculture sector in Kosovo through technical assistance and grants to farmers, lead firms, and other organizations in targeted agriculture value chains.
The NOA Program began to address productivity and other issues by supporting the introduction of new crops, varieties, and production and processing technologies to improve yields, generate greater volumes of product, add value, and link production to domestic and export markets.
The AGRO Activity is significantly expanding production of targeted crops in Kosovo, improving food safety and agricultural product quality, increasing farmer incomes, and creating new job opportunities.
In its first year of implementation, the program achieved more than $14 million in domestic and export sales. Producers planted more than 1,050 hectares using improved agricultural production technologies, and 39 firms received assistance to invest in improved technologies. The program provided agricultural and food security training to 1,680 individuals. More than 500 supply contracts were entered into, and 575 new jobs were created. In addition, interest among youth and women in Kosovo to enter the agriculture sector has increased through increased participation in training programs. AGRO has approved grants for 21 grantees that will support value chain development for targeted crops.