Kosovo Agricultural Growth and Rural Opportunities Activity Quarterly Report: April–June 2015

During this time, the project achieved a full staffing complement, mobilized two international staff members, and put in place all necessary assets to carry out the project. The project submitted its initial work plan for the last two quarters of Fiscal Year 2015, as well as the Activity grants manual, the Activity local subcontracts manual, and the Pesticide Safe Use Action Plan (PERSUAP). A review of value chain viability was conducted and presented to the Mission for ratification. The first Activity Annual Program Statement was published, and start-up and information sessions were conducted in four regions of Kosovo. In the fruit value chains, work focused on developing effective strategies, discussing industry leaders, and creating opportunities to drive these sectors over the life of the project. Specifically, efforts were made to develop agendas for study tours in the region for sour cherry, a dormant value chain in Kosovo with significant potential. Strawberries saw peak harvest during the reporting period, resulting in a dramatic over-supply situation. This was projected and forced growers to rethink their strategies. The soft fruit value chains, including strawberries and early blueberries, were also active during this period, with harvests and sales taking place. The AGRO Activity's quarterly report follows the format of the annual work plan, listing activities under each value chain and project-level objective. The report highlights achievements made in FY15 Q3, which covers the late spring production period into the early summer. The report captures harvests and sales of asparagus and early cucumber crops, as well as strawberry and early blueberry production and sales within the soft fruit value chains. The report also highlights the project's performance monitoring plan (PMP) results, which include indicators such as the number of farmers trained, the amount of produce sold, and the revenue generated. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the AGRO Activity's progress and achievements during the reporting period. The fruit value chains, including apples, pears, and sour cherries, were a key focus area for the AGRO Activity during the reporting period. Work was done to develop effective strategies, discuss industry leaders, and create opportunities to drive these sectors over the life of the project. The sour cherry value chain, in particular, was identified as a dormant value chain in Kosovo with significant potential. The AGRO Activity's work in the fruit value chains was centered on developing effective strategies, discussing industry leaders, and creating opportunities to drive these sectors over the life of the project. This included developing agendas for study tours in the region for sour cherry, which is a dormant value chain in Kosovo with significant potential. The soft fruit value chains, including strawberries and early blueberries, were also active during the reporting period. Harvests and sales took place, with strawberries seeing peak harvest and a dramatic over-supply situation. This was projected and forced growers to rethink their strategies. The AGRO Activity's quarterly report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's progress and achievements during the reporting period. The report highlights the project's performance monitoring plan (PMP) results, which include indicators such as the number of farmers trained, the amount of produce sold, and the revenue generated. The report also provides information on the project's administration, including the mobilization of international staff members and the submission of necessary documents.