Pristina, May 5 – Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced new assistance the United States government is providing Kosovo to further develop the nation’s highly competitive agricultural sector through grants to farmers and others within the agricultural value chain.

“Up to 60% of the population in Kosovo lives in rural areas, and it is critical that agriculture is further developed to enhance rural incomes. AGRO will build on the success of previous USAID agricultural programs to ensure that the sector provides a real living for the rural population, encouraging youth to remain in the community and see agriculture as an opportunity for business and not just for sustenance,” said USAID Mission Director Jim Hope.

USAID will provide technical support to Kosovo’s agriculture sector to stimulate and sustain farm producer’s incomes and create market development opportunities that provide processors and packers, key stakeholders in the agriculture value chain, reliable and cost-effective contract production from Kosovo’s farmers. The initiative will emphasize cross-sector partnerships that facilitate sustainable economic growth in this underdeveloped sector, the empowerment of female and youth participation, food safety education, and certification programs that support exports into valuable regional and European markets. This program will help farmers be better prepared to respond to local and regional market requirements.

For more information on USAID programs in Kosovo, please visit: www.usaid.gov/kosovo

The U.S. Agency for International Development is leading the U.S. government's efforts to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies.