015-Snapshot_Extension_agents_trainings_(1).doc

March, Lipjan/Lipljan—Fifty government extension agents are ready to begin sharing with Kosovo’s farmers the latest agricultural technologies, methodologies and practices, after undergoing intensive training organized by USAID.

The extension agents, all employees of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, were certified following the three-month course. They now will share their knowledge with Kosovo’s fruit, vegetable and livestock producers.

USAID, through its New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA) Program, organized the training to increase the diffusion of the most up-to-date agricultural know-how across Kosovo’s rural communities, said NOA program director Mark Wood. NOA collaborated closely with Kosovo’s Ministry of Agriculture in developing and implementing the training course.

The trainings focused on providing advice in reaching farmers; instilling more productive and scientifically proven farming practices; and promoting use of the latest technologies. It specifically included targeted training in sampling plants and soil for analysis; producing resistant seedlings and saplings; applying current principles of fertilization and irrigation; protecting crops; handling crops post-harvest; managing storage; developing market linkages; preparing budgets, gross margin analyses and business plans; balancing feed rations for dairy cows; managing dairy cow reproduction; implementing good milking practices; maintaining proper farm records; assessing environmental impacts; preparing grant applications and many other best practices.

The training program serves to extend and magnify the impact of USAID’s efforts to support growth, job creation and export generation within Kosovo’s significant agricultural sector. USAID funded NOA specifically to link farmers and products with markets; diversify and increase Kosovo’s agricultural products; improve food quality and safety; increase access to affordable credit; and improve coordination within the sector. The newly trained extension agents will help further these specific goals in the farming communities across Kosovo where they work.

The Program marked on March 13, 2013, the conclusion of the training course with a certification ceremony. Attendees included Chris Edwards, USAID’s deputy mission director in Kosovo; Blerand Stavileci, Kosovo’s minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development; and Jan Braathu, Norway’s ambassador to Kosovo.