Beam Exchange’s recent webinar explored how SDC’s innovative youth employment programme, implemented by Helvetas and Partners Albania, is helping transform Albania’s fresh fruit and vegetable sector into a driver of opportunity.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Albania’s economy, contributing to nearly 16% of GDP and employing over 35% of the population. It also represents a key export sector, with agricultural goods making up over 11% of total exports.

Gramos Osmani and Stephan Joss, discussed how RisiAlbania has applied the MSD approach to drive systemic change by introducing and expanding quality management and social compliance systems. These interventions are improving product quality, increasing market access, and enabling farmers and exporters to enter higher-value supply chains.

As Albania moves toward EU accession, strengthening agricultural standards is not just a regulatory need - it’s a key pathway to sustainability, market diversification, job creation, and long-term competitiveness.

The webinar looked at how these targeted efforts are transforming the fresh fruits and vegetables sector and making agriculture a more viable and appealing employment option for the next generation.

Watch the Recording Here: https://beamexchange.org/community/webinar/job-creation-through-quality-management-agribusiness/