Adapting the EU “Farm to Fork” Strategy to Albania: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation

Abstract

The European Union’s “From Farm to Fork” strategy, a central pillar of the European Green Deal, seeks to reshape the EU food system into one that is fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable. Spanning the entire food chain—from production to consumption—it incorporates environmental, social, and economic objectives to promote sustainability as a competitive advantage. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges in implementing the strategy, including economic burdens, social equity, political feasibility, and environmental constraints. Furthermore, it assesses the broader global implications, especially for non-EU countries, with a particular focus on Albania. By analyzing Albania’s “Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries Strategy 2021–2027”, the study outlines pathways for harmonizing national agricultural policy with the EU’s sustainability agenda. Emphasis is placed on the potential benefits for small-scale producers, who stand to gain from improved access to sustainable practices, market opportunities, and fair value chains. The findings underline the importance of strategic alignment, institutional capacity building, and stakeholder involvement in successfully adapting the “Farm to Fork” strategy to Albania’s agricultural context.