The “Dairy Producers” Association gathered today in front of the Ministry of Agriculture to protest against the National Scheme 2026, demanding more support for the livestock sector. Minister Andis Salla arrived at the scene and requested that farmers elect a 10-person delegation to hold a meeting.
Protesters hold banners with slogans such as: “Stop milk imports,” “Formalize the dairy market,” and “Boycott Serbian firms.” They express dissatisfaction with the way the scheme is structured, stressing that the costs are high and the promised support is not what was previously discussed.
"The scheme does not support us. Subsidize our oil, increase support for livestock, and block imports that compete with us," the farmers say.
One of the main demands is the subsidization of the sector, which they say is 7-8 times lower than in the region. They also demand tax-free oil for farmers, VAT regulation, and the creation of a laboratory for product safety.
Farmers are currently facing rising costs for livestock feed, fuel and basic expenses, as well as informality and inequality in VAT, which they say make it difficult to compete with farmers in the region. They are also calling for the establishment of a board for basket products to protect the local market.
The protest will continue pending a formal meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance. The farmers warn that if their demands are not respected, they will escalate the reaction by “crowding the streets of Tirana with their vehicles and cows.”
