The amount of imported food products, particularly vegetables and meat, surged in the first quarter of 2022 while the local agricultural sector has taken a big hit, due in part to a lack of investment and the rising cost of fuel and fertiliser.
According to National Statistics Institute (INSTAT), in the first quarter of 2022, over 18,000 tonnes of vegetables were imported into Albania.
This is an increase of 46.7% on the same period during 2021. The amount of fruit also increased by 15%, and meat by 10% during the same quarter.
The issues are likely due to rising costs in the agricultural sector including fuel and fertiliser, as well as a lack of subsidies, and unwillingness from farmers to adapt.
As a result, many parts of the country have simply reduced production, or are throwing away items they cannot sell.
Over the last five years, the amount of livestock in the country has dropped by 20% and this deficit is being filled by imports. Similarly, the amount of dairy being imported has increased by 15% between January and March.
As for fertiliser, imports decreased by 75% due to a decline in demand from farmers. The demand is so low that wholesalers have been exporting the product back out of the country after previously importing it.
This situation can also be put down to rising costs, meaning it is not economically viable for farmers to buy it.
