Kosovo New Opportunities for Agriculture Program Quarterly Report: October–December 2012

The program focuses on value chain development, with a particular emphasis on fruit and vegetable production. The quarterly report for October-December 2012 highlights progress towards stated work plan benchmarks for the period. Fruit value chains have seen significant preparation for the upcoming production season. Procurement documentation has been prepared, and local vendors have been screened for their ability to supply apple planting materials, grape scions for grafting, and virus-free planting materials. Training in apple grading and market linkages has taken place, and graded and packed apples have begun to appear in the market. The grape sector has seen positive developments, with farmers promoting improved production technologies, including the new T trellis practices. The Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a new grant support program to incentivize expansion of improved table grape management. Plans are well developed for the proposed grafting over process, transforming wine grapes into table grapes. Enthusiasm for increased strawberry production has continued to grow, based on the successful marketing and production season last year. Nurseries are feeling strong demand for runners to new producers as well as for expansion of existing plantations. Hi-profile tunnels are beginning to be established, which will further extend the season length. Raspberry production has seen significant growth, with 2.5 hectares of new plantings established during the quarter. Interest in area expansion is high, following the marketing season of last year where yields and prices were very encouraging. Blueberry production seems to be becoming focused in the Decan region, where a large commercial interest is emerging. Vegetable value chains have also seen significant progress. Lettuce production has continued, albeit at a low level during the off-season, but market demand remains firm, and interest amongst producers is such that annual targets for increased lettuce plantings seem attainable. Asparagus plantings are successfully overwintering, and new crowns are ready for introduction during spring. Initial harvest projections are on track. Medicinal and aromatic plantings under cultivated production practice are on target, and pre-winter plantings have already achieved program targets. Emergence of the crop is excellent, and weed control has been effective. Planning for the development of locally fabricated dryer units to support the expansion of this sector is well in hand. Work with the programmed production of field vegetables has concentrated on stimulating interest in contract production of vegetables. Contracts have been prepared, and significant interest has been shown by farmers in the traditional Dukgjini production area as well as the minority municipalities north and east of Gjilane. Collection centers are being prepared for the new season, and program support for the processor sector has stimulated interest in the formation of a processor association. The program has also supported a very effective launch of the Kosovo Agricultural Market Information System (KAMIS), which aims to provide market information to farmers and other stakeholders. The system has been well-received, and interest in using it is high.