WHAT WE DO
FSRD - For Sustainable Rural Development is an association established by a group of professionals in different fields of environment, biodiversity, forestry, rural development, quality and standards, agronomy and medicinal plants collection, genetic resources, specialist in the processing and storage of different products, as well as experts in the technics of marketing and trading. Our aim is to promote sustainable rural development in Albania by focusing on biodiversity conservation, enhancing scientific and agricultural knowledge, improving education and capacity building in rural areas, particularly for vulnerable groups, and supporting the preservation and certification of local agricultural products through collaboration with national and regional institution.
Our Topics
Agriculture – Biodiversity/Environment – Education and Training– Quality Standards and Certification. These four topics define our areas of expertise, and constitute the focus of our work. These topics are closely intertwined and highly interdependent, resulting in a complex overall system. Modern and globalized agricultural production, trade and markets are influenced by a multitude of variables, as is the development of rural areas and the provision of ecosystem services. Our studies and projects focus on the following topics and themes:
Agriculture
Agriculture
Sustainable Development of Agriculture – Focused on rural areas in Albania. We promote sustainable farming techniques that minimize environmental impact while increasing productivity. We promote sustainable farming techniques that minimize environmental impact while increasing productivity. This involves encouraging practices like organic farming, crop rotation, and the use of environmentally friendly agricultural inputs to ensure long-term soil fertility and reduce degradation.
Sustainable Development of Agriculture – Focused on rural areas in Albania.
Environment & Biodiversity Conservation
Environment & Biodiversity Conservation
We contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of Albania's biodiversity, particularly focusing on rural regions. This includes protecting local ecosystems, indigenous plant species, and natural habitats that are essential for rural livelihoods. We works on the conservation of genetic resources in both plants and animals. This includes protecting native species and ensuring the sustainable use of genetic diversity to support agricultural and ecological resilience. Renewable Energy and Sustainable Forestry – In addition to agriculture, FSRD engages in projects like sustainable biomass production, which increases renewable energy availability while promoting sustainable forest management practices. These projects balance economic development in rural areas with the need to protect Albania’s forests.
We contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of Albania's biodiversity.
Education and Training
Education and Training Details
Empowering Vulnerable Groups – FSRD targets farmers, women, youth, and pickers of medicinal plants in remote areas to improve their knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture.This effort helps these groups integrate into sustainable economic activities while contributing to biodiversity conservation.
FSRD targets farmers, women, youth to improve their knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture.
Quality Standards and Certification
Quality Standards and Certification
Providing expertise and consultancy on quality standards such as Global Gap and organic certification, ensuring that Albanian products receive added value.We helps farmers and producers comply with Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards. These standards focus on safe, sustainable agriculture that benefits both producers and consumers. By implementing these practices, farmers can ensure food safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility, which are essential for accessing international markets. Organic Certification – FSRD supports farmers in achieving organic certification according to the European EEC 834/2007 standard. This certification guarantees that agricultural products are grown without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). FSRD provides technical assistance and training to farmers on organic practices, helping them establish effective organic management systems, particularly in regions like Bilisht and Gjirokastra. Certification for Typical Products – FSRD works to certify typical or traditional Albanian products, helping them gain recognition for their unique qualities and added value. Certification ensures that these products meet specific standards, which can help promote them in local and international markets, thus improving the livelihoods of rural communities. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Certification – For the medicinal and aromatic plants sector, FSRD facilitates organic certification and traceability systems. These certifications ensure that MAPs are collected or cultivated sustainably, adding market value and preserving the plant species.
Providing expertise and consultancy on quality standardsensuring that Albanian products receive added value.
Consultancy and Research
Our team of experts and researchers , are specializing in addressing challenges in agriculture, the environment, and rural development. By integrating scientific data analysis, thorough fact-finding, and practical methodologies, they provide accurate results and tailored recommendations. Recognizing the interdependence of agriculture, the environment, and rural development, the team employs interdisciplinary approaches and advanced models to effectively analyze and address complex challenges in these interconnected fields.
Partnerships and cooperation
Partnerships and cooperation are a key component of how we work.