Ministry of Agriculture Presents Five Draft Laws to Parliament to Modernise the Sector and Align with EU Standards

Andis Salla, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, introduced five draft laws to Parliament with the goals of updating the sector’s legal framework, making it easier for farmers to obtain financing, enhancing policymaking through statistical data, encouraging cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and fortifying the food safety system in accordance with EU regulations.
For the first time, a financial tool that allows farmers to utilize agricultural products as collateral for financing while they are being produced or stored is introduced under the draft law “On Agricultural Product Commercial Receipts.” By improving access to financing and legal clarity across the whole production cycle, the mechanism seeks to formalize relationships between farmers, economic operators, and financial institutions. To maintain transparency and avoid using the same collateral more than once, commercial receipts will be electronically registered via the e-Albania portal and connected to the secured transactions registry. The plan is anticipated to boost agricultural investment, improve collaboration throughout the agri-food value chain, and bring the industry closer to the financial practices of EU member states, according to Minister Salla.
The legal foundation for carrying out the Agricultural Census in compliance with EU standards and Eurostat guidelines is established by a different draft law. At least 98% of the agricultural area utilized for farming and livestock units will be covered by the census, which will include all agricultural economic units. The information gathered will help Albania prepare for implementing the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, plan public investments, and formulate sectoral strategies. Additionally, the draft law calls for the establishment of the Statistical Register of Agricultural Economic Units, which will be managed by INSTAT exclusively for statistical reasons and without imposing any additional duties on farmers. The state budget and, if necessary, funding from the European Union and outside partners will be used to pay the procedure.
By acknowledging and controlling the use of cutting-edge technologies like hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, amendments to the law “On the Protection of Agricultural Land” seek to adapt the legal framework to advancements in contemporary agriculture. Minister Salla emphasized that the draft law does not alter the idea of safeguarding agricultural land; rather, it establishes the framework for the advancement of these technologies by establishing clear regulations, stimulating investment, raising productivity, and encouraging the more effective use of natural resources. The Council of Ministers will decide on the technical specifications, monitoring protocols, and control systems.
The draft law for ratifying the Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania on Technical Cooperation 2025, which creates the legal framework for carrying out the EU4Food Safety project, was also given to Parliament. In order to comply with EU standards and the demands of Chapter 12 of the accession discussions, the project intends to modernize the food safety system and bolster institutional capacity. For the years 2026–2030, financial support will total €13.5 million, of which €1 million will come from the German government and €12.5 million from the European Union.
Modernizing governmental controls, bolstering laboratory capabilities, harmonizing laws, and assisting food industry owners in adhering to European standards are all part of the project. Its goals are to improve food safety, boost the agri-food industry’s competitiveness, and increase export prospects.