Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, speaking at the 10th Raspberry Conference in Kosovo, highly praised the success of the sector, noting that Kosovo is strengthening year by year and becoming more secure in Europe in terms of the rule of law. He emphasized that this progress is not accidental but the result of sustainable reforms and the genuine inclusion of all communities.
During his speech, Kurti promised that the government under his leadership would act as a partner to farmers rather than merely a spectator.
“Here we have over 350 participants. This hall shows that the raspberry sector is not a small-scale culture but one with significant impact. There are also 30 farmers from Albania who have adopted Kosovo’s farming models. Today’s Kosovo is a success story, strengthening each year, becoming a safer country in Europe with increasing rule of law. This performance is no coincidence; it is the result of sustainable reforms and the real inclusion of all communities. With solid economic growth, a capitalized financial system, peace, and security, this stable climate allows the fine fruit sector to access new markets and long-term contracts. The secret to success in farming is the combination of fertile land and smart policies. Kosovo has now built a full chain of fine fruits from workshops to production centers, turning collaboration into an advantage because we work more efficiently. While previously 96% of our production was exported, today, thanks to significant growth and a focus on healthy food, exports account for around 75%. Our families are consuming more local products, and as Prime Minister, I am committed to supporting them further. Most of the produce is exported, generating €10 million,” said Kurti.
He reiterated his commitment to being a partner, not a spectator.
“The area dedicated to strawberry cultivation has expanded significantly. These are not just numbers—they represent investment stories and proof that together we can transform potential into performance. The Kosovo Raspberry Association has played a key role in aligning the full chain with European standards. It serves as a model for added value across all sectors of our economy. I want to thank every farmer who wakes up before dawn and every partner who opens market doors. A promise from the government: I will be a partner, not a spectator. A few months ago, I asked a farmer about the season’s forecast; he replied that, like blueberries, they start dark and then become sweet,” Kurti added.
Acting Minister of Agriculture, Imri Demelezi, while praising the conference as the only agricultural event sustained for 10 years, announced that new agricultural conferences will start in January, and government support for innovation and development will continue.
“This is a special honor to be with you at this conference, the only one from the agricultural sector with a 10-year journey showing challenges but mostly success. It is a European-level platform. Raspberry cultivation as a new crop represents a success story and an example for other sectors. By learning from one another, we see success in raspberries and other sectors. From January, we will start discussions for other agricultural conferences. We aim to be the first in the region for Agricultural Conference Week, investing in innovation and development. Government support must continue with increased focus; thanks to this commitment, agriculture is strong, with over 1 million hectares dedicated to raspberries. Interest in this crop continues to grow, and farmers clearly see financial stability in the sector.”
Director of Caritas Switzerland, Rita Glavitza, emphasized the decade-long collaboration with Kosovo’s farmers and the role of the conference as a key platform for innovation.
She noted that sustainable development occurs when families have secure incomes and young people see a future in their country.
“It is a privilege for me, representing Caritas Switzerland, to be part of the 10th Raspberry Conference. 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 proudly accompanied Kosovo’s farmers on this journey. The first conference was organized by Caritas. We have seen this event grow from a small gathering into the powerful platform for exchange and innovation we see today in this hall.
At Caritas Switzerland, our mission is clear: We believe true development happens when a family has sustainable income and young people see a future for themselves right here, in their communities,” she added.
