Dairy sector in Albania-challenges and perspectives.

Agriculture still remains subsistence-oriented due to a very small average size of farms (1.26 ha per family) and 85,8% are mixed farms. Hence, only 30–40% of crop and livestock products are being sold. Generally, livestock production is seen as a backbone of Albania's agriculture. The objective of this analysis is to give a quantitative and qualitative description of the Albanian dairy sector, its challenges and perspective. About 75% of household incomes are contributed by sales of livestock products. The productivity and the economic efficiency are at low level. Evaluation of performance at dairy farm level is not possible because data are missing. The statistical yearbook of Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection does not include information for each product at farm level. To improve the situation several economic and policy programs are needed to increase the productivity of the dairy sector, the quality of products, to implement the good livestock practices, good hygiene practices and animal welfare standards, as dairy sector provides 21.5% of the value of agricultural production.