Divjake, June 16 NOA - With USAID assistance, a group of progressive farmers led by Bruka Seedling Company are supplying personal-size watermelons to ASDA Supermarkets, the British subsidiary of Wall Mart; the world's largest food retail chain.
USAID's Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness Program facilitated the initial contact between Bruka Seedling and ASDA; the program also assisted the selection of a watermelon variety suitable to cater the British market, enabled members of Djvjaka 07 Farmers Association to meet European Standards and provided close mentoring in trade logistics.
This achievement was celebrated by Mr. Josif Gorrea, Managing Director of Bruka Seedling Company and the USAID Mission Director for Albania, Roberta Mahoney, in a sendoff ceremony of the second container shipped on June 16.
During the ceremony, which took place at the Bruka Seedling packing facility, Mr. Gorrea appreciated the support provided by USAID.
"The support of USAID is not only benefiting our farmer association, but all farmers and traders of Albania, who now know that it is indeed possible to compete in the world's most demanding markets," said Mr. Gorrea. "Also importers from the European Union are becoming aware that Albania is capable to become a reliable supplier of quality products".
The USAID Director explained that through its Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness Program, USAID is supporting several commodity chains that are strategic for economic growth.
Ms. Mahoney congratulated the farmers and trader that took part in this negotiation.
"USAID is proud to partner with proactive and innovative entrepreneurs committed with investing in agriculture; we will continue to support this and other endeavors," said Mahoney. Â
During the summer of 2009, Bruka Seedling Company expects to export at least eight containers of watermelons to the United Kingdom, as part of a trial phase aimed at inserting themselves in the global value chains. USAID's AAC Program is also facilitating negotiations between the company and regional supermarket chains.
e.l/NOA
