The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Reinout Vos, visited the city of Peshkopi where he was welcomed by CNVP Albania. The visit focused on meeting local farmers who are benefiting from CNVP Foundation’s projects that support rural families, economic development, and sustainable use of natural resources in Albania.

One of the main stops was Elezi Farm, a family-run nursery that produces seedlings of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and vegetables. In the mountainous region of Dibra, where farming is often limited by short growing seasons and difficult terrain, the availability of local seedlings is vital. Farmers benefit by planting strong, locally adapted seedlings that are more resilient and productive. For the Elezi family, the nursery provides multiple income streams, both from selling seedlings to other farmers and from using them to expand their own vegetable production. This model strengthens local agriculture and reduces dependence on imported plants.

Ambassador Vos also visited the farm of Hajrie, a lead farmer supported by CNVP Albania to diversify cultivation with MAPs such as red clover and primula veris. These plants are increasingly valuable because they can be grown on small plots of land, harvested sustainably, and sold to the growing market for medicinal and herbal products. Beyond her own farm, Hajrie plays an important role in empowering women in Dibra. She encourages and supports other women to start cultivating MAPs, turning this activity into a reliable source of income for rural families.

The visit underlined the importance of CNVP Foundation’s initiatives, which are funded by the Swedish Government and the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT). These projects not only create economic opportunities but also promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming practices.

Ambassador Vos’s visit to Peshkopi reflected the strong interest of the Netherlands in community-led rural development in Albania. By meeting farmers directly, he was able to see how CNVP’s work is making a tangible difference in people’s lives and contributing to long-term resilience in one of the country’s most mountainous regions.