Clementine mandarin, distinguished by its slightly flat bottom, is a sought-after variety in international markets, including those within the EU. However, the discovery of banned pesticides in some exports from Albania to EU countries, notably at Croatian border points, has raised concerns over consumer health and the reputation of Albanian agricultural products. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of supporting domestic products and assures that extensive testing has shown no pesticide residues in over 85% of the 2024 mandarin harvest, spread across more than 1,000 hectares.
Despite the export of 924 trucks of mandarins in 2024, only three loads were found to have pesticide irregularities and were subsequently destroyed. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken steps to address these issues, including the disposal of 20.482 kg of clementines returned by Croatia, in a process witnessed by multiple authorities and media outlets. Joint inspections have been conducted to ensure compliance and address any violations with fines, criminal charges, or activity suspension as necessary.
The National Food Authority has intensified controls on entities trading in Plant Protection and fertilizer products, with recent inspections finding no legal violations. The monitoring plan for December included additional samples for pesticide analysis, ensuring stringent oversight. The Ministry has also implemented an Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, aiming for safe and compliant practices throughout the agricultural sector.
Efforts to maintain the health of Albania's agricultural sector extend beyond mandarins, with successful protection against various animal diseases and the promotion of biologically clean production methods. The Ministry stresses the importance of adhering to EU and local regulations on pesticide use, offering resources and information to farmers to ensure compliance. The call for shared responsibility in maintaining food safety highlights the collective effort required to sustain the integrity of Albania's agricultural exports.
Source: Monitor