FAO Farmer Field Schools train Albanian olive growers

Olive growers in the Municipality of Belsh, Albania, are strengthening their skills and practices through the expansion of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation’s (FAO) Farmer Field School approach, supporting a more sustainable and competitive olive oil value chain.

At the heart of the initiative is the Farmer Field School model, a practical, farmer-led learning approach in which producers learn side by side in their own fields. By observing, experimenting and sharing their experiences, farmers develop solutions grounded in local realities, turning sustainability into a practical tool for better yields, quality and market access.

Focused on strengthening the olive oil value chain in Belsh, the initiative equips olive growers, processors and local stakeholders with hands-on knowledge in good agricultural practices, quality control and environmental sustainability. The work on olives builds on FAO’s earlier value chain development efforts in the greenhouse vegetable sector, expanding lessons learned into a new and strategic crop for the area. By aligning local production practices with European Union standards, FAO aims to strengthen the environmental resilience and market readiness of Belsh’s olive oil production.

Engaging local partners

In early October, FAO brought together farmers, olive processors, the Olive Producers’ Association, municipal representatives and financial institutions for a multistakeholder consultation in Belsh. The discussion helped participants map the olive value chain, identify key bottlenecks and agree on training priorities.

Participants highlighted challenges such as irrigation shortages, gaps in quality control and storage practices, limited access to finance and technology, and the prevalence of informal markets. Many olive groves, typically 12–15 years old and located in hilly areas, require intensive and well-equipped field management. The lack of routine soil and olive oil testing also was identified as a major factor affecting oil quality and farmers’ incomes.

“Working directly with farmers and processors allows us to design truly targeted interventions that help the olive value chain make a quality leap, treating sustainability not as a cost but as an investment to access higher-value markets,” said Lorena Pullumbi, Assistant FAO Representative in Albania.

From priorities to practice

Building on the consultation outcomes, FAO worked with national and international experts to translate local needs into a tailored Farmer Field School programme for olive cultivation. This process led to the launch of the first training session in mid-November, focusing on soil management and olive tree nutrition.

Running through April 2026, the programme follows a seasonal learning pathway shaped by farmers’ priorities. It covers soil health, pruning, the establishment of new groves, harvesting and processing, integrated pest management and efficient irrigation.

Learning in the olive groves

In the Farmer Field School approach, learning happens where decisions matter most – in the olive groves themselves. Farmers apply new techniques directly in their fields, guided by FAO experts. They observe results over time and compare experiences through peer learning.

“Learning about proper soil analysis and pruning techniques will directly improve our yields and the health of our trees,” said Aldo Jolla, an olive grower participating in the training.

Learning alongside each other, farmers turn shared experience into practical solutions that strengthen sustainability, productivity and profitability across the value chain.

Looking ahead

Through the Business4SDGs project, FAO continues to foster farmer engagement, peer learning and stronger institutional linkages, supporting olive growers in meeting European Union market requirements while building resilience to environmental pressures.

“The Farmer Field School is helping our farmers adopt better, more sustainable practices and strengthen the resilience of Belsh’s olive-growing community,” said Aranit Duka, Director of Agriculture for the Municipality of Belsh.

Lessons from the Belsh experience will inform future Farmer Field School cycles, starting with the next value chain season in January 2026. By turning sustainability into action – through better practices, stronger local capacities and clearer links to higher-value markets – FAO and its partners are positioning Belsh as a model for environmentally and economically resilient olive production.

The activity is implemented under the joint United Nations Business, Partnerships and Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals II (B4SDG II) project, involving collaboration among FAO, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Labour Organization, with financial support from the Government of Sweden through the Joint SDG Fund.