USAID/Kosovo Economc Growth Office Director, Brian Martalus, visited Lypjan/Lipljan on October 14^th to inaugurate a new apple grading line at the AMA facilities in the village of Llugaxhi.  In 2015 the “Agrovizioni,” “Me-Agro,” and “Agrounion” companies established AMA as a joint entity to strengthen their economic position in the fruit and vegetable sector.

AMA currently has 40 hectares of modern orchards under cultivation, but the new grading line can potentially serve an area up to 300 hectares.  This kind of technology upgrade – one that will allow AMA to expand, improve production practices, and create jobs – is essential to Kosovo’s ability to compete in the regional and international apple trade. AMA benefitted from a grant of 93,000 euros from USAID to purchase the necessary equipment.

USAID’s Agriculture for Growth and Rural Opportunities (AGRO)  program focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, marketability, and responsiveness to markets, which will enhance the sustainability and competiveness of targeted Kosovar agribusinesses in domestic and export markets.