“TOKA” Project Officially Launches, A New Model for the Development of Albanian Agriculture

Korçë, January 20, 2026. In the city of Korçë, the Cooperation Agreement for the “TOKA” Project was officially signed, marking the launch of a strategic initiative of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF). The project aims to deliver the long-term transformation of Albania’s agricultural sector through a modern model grounded in innovation, knowledge, and European standards.

The agreement was signed by all partner institutions, the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Fan S. Noli University of Korçë, and the municipalities of Korçë, Pogradec, Maliq, Devoll, Kolonjë, and Pustec.
The launch of the project was welcomed by the Rector of Fan S. Noli University, Prof. Dr. Lorenc Ekonomi, the Mayor of Korçë, Sotiraq Filo, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, AADF Co-Executive Director Martin Mata, and the Speaker of Parliament, Niko Peleshi.

This agreement marks the official start of Phase One of the “TOKA” Project, which will initially be implemented in the Korçë region and will serve as a model to be replicated nationwide. The project seeks to lay the foundations for a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector, focusing on four main pillars: agricultural sector development, strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), food safety, and the development of academic and research capacities.

During Phase One, the project will include an analysis of the current state of agriculture in the region, the drafting of a comprehensive roadmap for agro-economic development, capacity building for local stakeholders through training and study visits, and the modernization of university curricula in agriculture and food safety.

As the initiator and funder of the project, AADF brings high-level international expertise to Albania in partnership with Wageningen University & Research, with the goal of building a functional model that connects policymaking, academia, farmers, and the private sector.

As a foundation, for fifteen years, we have sought a pathway into the agricultural sector. This is the country’s largest sector with the highest potential, one that can shape much of Albania’s future, especially as the country moves closer to the European Union. The ‘Dutch Diamond Model’ we are introducing is considered the ‘Harvard of agriculture’ worldwide and represents Europe’s most advanced research and scientific foundation. This model has officially shaped the policies of all 27 EU member states for the creation and functioning of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS).”

said Martin Mata, Co-Executive Director of AADF.

The “TOKA” Project is designed as a long-term intervention with three development phases. Following the completion of Phase One, backed by an investment of USD 2 million, the results will be evaluated, and the project’s expansion into subsequent phases will be considered, with the objective of nationwide implementation and full alignment with European Union standards.

Through this initiative, Korçë is positioned as a new model for agricultural development, aiming to enhance the well-being of rural communities, strengthen food security, and prepare Albania’s agricultural sector for European integration.