Sage, lavender, and thyme, EU’s support strengthening agricultural infrastructure

At dawn in Koplik, women step into the fields at 4 or 5 a.m., their hands moving swiftly through rows of lavender as the first light spills across the stony soil. This is a daily ritual at the end of June and the beginning of July at 'Happy farmers', when they harvest purple lavender flowers, valued for their distinctive aromas, and also with a significant role in the medical industry. Contributing to both wellbeing and sustainable development, these plants have become both tradition and opportunity.

At first glance, the process may appear straightforward, as farmers have refined these practices through experience. In reality, however, it requires systematic work and careful knowledge. Cleaning must be carried out at the appropriate time, and it is essential to recognize when the crop is ready for harvest. Harvesting too early can place the plants under stress, disrupting their natural cycle and causing them to dry prematurely. Guided by knowledge and experience, farmers respect the rhythm of the plants, safeguard their health, and ensure that product quality aligns with the standards required for the market.

EU Delegation to Albania

In the Koplik area, sage dominates the fields, covering nearly 80 percent of the cultivated land, while lavender and thyme are steadily gaining ground and oregano is being tested as a new crop. The region's clean air and high altitude make these plants ideal for cultivation, perfectly suited to the limestone and stony soils of Malesia e Madhe. "Albania exported sage even 50 years ago. Today, however, Malesia e Madhe, account for almost 80 percent of the country's sage exports, a success driven by unique natural conditions, abundant sunny days, resilient stony terrain, and limestone soils that foster the vigorous growth of medicinal plants", explains Çeraj.

As during summer, it takes only 2 or 3 days to dry, the winter requires parallel investments in processing and storage capacity, with drying process being one of the most critical steps in preserving product quality, during humidity and rainfalls period. The farm began modestly in 2018 with just 0.5 hectares.

EU Delegation to Albania

Today, it spans 150 acres, producing 300-400 quintals of dried medicinal plants annually, though output depends heavily on weather conditions, spring rainfall, in particular, is decisive for yields. With this expansion, the need for drying and storage facilities has grown in parallel, since maintaining consistency and meeting market standards requires proper infrastructure. "This is why drying capacity has become essential. Our facilities were limited, but we continue to expand them step by step to keep pace with production and ensure quality."

EU4Innovation through Challenge Fund, supported Çeraj's 'Happy farmer's' with a drying shed, marking a truly turning point.

"Sage is the dominant crop in our area, and because it is harvested twice a year, with the second harvest coming in October and November, proper drying becomes absolutely essential to preserve its quality and meet export standards. Without reliable drying, the product risks losing its aroma, colour, and purity, which are critical for competitiveness abroad. Before we had the shed, our capacity was limited, and every rainy season brought uncertainty. The support we received through EU funds, made it possible to turn this plan into reality. Today, the drying shed is more than just infrastructure, it is the guarantee that our products can reach international markets with the quality they demand", he says.

EU Delegation to Albania

While direct export remains a challenge, farmers are building partnerships with large collectors to reach EU markets. The plants have two distinct qualities: one is an industrial-grade product destined for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, while the other is prepared for consumers in the form of herbal tea. Both, must be clean, uncontaminated, and pass several analysis filters.

Generations of farmers in Malesi e Madhe have cultivated these plants, adapting them from wild mountain herbs to field crops. Çeraj learned from his family members who worked with these plants before. Now he is studying Food Safety and Agricultural Science, which helps him combine traditional knowledge with scientific awareness.

Background information

EU4Innovation has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and engagement within Albania's start-up and innovation ecosystem and increasing its visibility, supporting over 100 ecosystem events during the implementation period. The European Union, Germany and Sweden are working to create high paying jobs in Albania, by developing the innovation economy. Through The Challenge Fund, EU4Innovation has established a competitive financing facility which is used as a means of addressing the issue of access to finance for innovative companies at all stages of development (idea, validation, growth and scale-up). The vision of the Challenge Fund is boosting a vibrant innovation ecosystem by providing funding to the most promising companies to carry them through the 'valley of death' and scale up their innovative businesses, while looking for innovative solutions that leverage Albania know-how and create improvement and value, by introducing new ideas, methods, or products.