On Friday, December 19, 2025, the TYPIC-AL Project organised the official handover ceremony of advanced agricultural machinery and technological equipment at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre (ATTC) of Fushë Krujë, strengthening Albania’s agricultural innovation capacity and supporting the development of typical local products.

The Project is financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by CIHEAM Bari in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). It aims to improve food safety, quality and sustainability along the supply chains of Albania’s traditional products, in line with MARD’s priorities to align primary production and processing practices with EU standards, with particular attention to the autochthonous Sulova maize variety.

The event was held with the participation of H.E. Andis Salla, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, representatives of the Italian Embassy in Tirana, AICS, CIHEAM Bari, the ATTCs of Fushë Krujë and Shkodër, and partners from the Cërrik Incubator (SHBB “Harvest Hub – Albania”). The ceremony was welcomed as an important step towards modernising agricultural practices, enhancing food safety and fostering public–private cooperation in rural development.

A key milestone celebrated during the event was the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between ATTC Fushë Krujë, ATTC Shkodër and the Cërrik Incubator, facilitated by CIHEAM Bari. The agreement establishes a coordinated programme for the production of certified pure seeds of the Sulova maize variety, promoting shared use of experimental fields and technologies, joint seed production, and the transfer of scientific and technical know-how to farmers in the Sulova region, while strengthening value chain development for traditional maize-based products.

The agricultural machinery and precision tools supplied through the TYPIC-AL Project—including tractors, seeders, soil-management tools and a drone for precision agriculture—will strengthen mechanisation, technological innovation and extension services. Most of the equipment has already been delivered to the ATTC of Fushë Krujë, including the machinery destined for the ATTC of Shkodër, and is fully operational for field demonstrations.

Dedicated capacity-building activities will be carried out to ensure that ATTC technical staff can effectively operate the new equipment and support farmers with up-to-date agricultural practices. Through targeted investments, training and institutional cooperation, the Italian Cooperation and CIHEAM Bari reaffirm their commitment to Albania’s agricultural modernisation, food safety and rural development.