Dairy Hubs Albania

ADG sh.p.k. (LUFRA) collaborates with Tetra Pak and Tetra Laval Food for Development to establish ‘Dairy Hubs’ in Albania.

The initiative focuses on developing a formal milk collection infrastructure and providing technical assistance to small dairy farmers. The goal is for the training provided to small farmers to help them increase their income.

As a candidate country for EU membership, Albania needs to develop its agricultural sector, including milk production. Milk is mainly produced by small farmers. The average dairy farm size is 1.7 cows per farm and yields are low with an average of 3 tonnes of cow milk per year according to IFCN. The FAO estimates that 45% of domestically consumed milk is raw, often sold as unpasteurized milk directly to the household. Food safety is a problem as milk is not processed and packaged safely, it spoils quickly and exposes consumers to health risks. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major food system disruptions globally and small farmers have been severely affected. Small farmers account for 42% (360 million tonnes) of global milk production, so raw material availability is emerging as a major concern.

Tetra Pak and Tetra Laval Food for Development have entered into a three-year technical assistance agreement with milk processors Agroal & Global Services Sh.p.k. (AGS) and Lufra Sh.p.k. (Lufra) to establish the first Dairy Hubs in Albania. The initiative focuses on developing a formal milk collection infrastructure and providing technical assistance to small dairy farmers. The goal is for the training provided to small farmers to help them increase their income. Through the specialists of Tetra Laval Food for Development’s Dary Hub team, technical assistance is provided to train milk collectors, farmers and stakeholders. All the milk produced is bought by dairy processors, thus providing a secure income for farmers and an opportunity to grow and develop their business.

The initiative affects more than 3,000 small farmers, supporting them with training through a well-structured network and ensuring that their milk will be purchased, with improved quality criteria. ” Lufra has invested in new refrigeration centers for milk collection and has hired additional staff and veterinarians to support farmers. Milk supply for processors is increasing and milk quality is improving. After 16 months, Lufra milk supply has increased by 41.6%, from 60 thousand liters to 85 thousand liters per day. ” – says Tetrapak.

Increased milk consumption will be the driver to create demand for quality milk from the formal milk sector in the long run. For Albania to join the European Union, the standard of milk production must be improved to meet EU standards. The long-term programs proposed by Tetrapak help to change consumption habits and create demand for high quality dairy products from the formal dairy sector.

Key points:

The project is affecting more than 3,000 small dairy farmers. After 16 months, Lufra milk supply has increased by almost 42%, from 60 thousand to 85 thousand liters per day. The partnership includes the entire value chain from milk production to the consumer. The initiative focuses on supporting small farmers, giving them a secure income from milk production and an opportunity to grow and develop their business.

Having quality milk starts with high quality farming practices and especially healthy cows. From there we collect the milk and turn it into the consumable dairy products that we all know and love. We all know that healthy cows produce more milk and higher quality. So our farmers have every incentive to take more care of their herd and are constantly supported by our company. This is at the top of the high standards for animal care, which are adhered to by all Albanian farmers with whom we cooperate. Every day, on every farm, every single cow is monitored, milked and cared for as needed.

Beyond that, the care for our cows is very broad, ranging from feeding what our farmers are fed to high hygiene. An important factor in producing high quality milk and keeping animals healthy is a good and balanced diet. Our farmers work with cow nutrition experts, who assess the nutritional value of the cow feed used on the farm to ensure that the cows enjoy a well-balanced diet that supports their nutritional needs. Also, each cow is constantly inspected by a professional veterinarian, who ensures that the cow is in excellent condition to produce milk.

Çdo ditë sjellim në tryezat tuaja produktet më të shëndetshme të qumështit të freskët, të kontrolluara dhe të përpunuara sipas standarteve bashkëkohore Europiane.