The Parliamentary Committee for Production Activities, Trade and Environment approved on Wednesday the draft law "On organic production, labeling of organic products and their control".

Present at the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, said that "organic agriculture is an important sector in the EU strategy and is considered a component of the sustainable development of agriculture".

"The objective of the EU is for 25% of agricultural land to be oriented towards organic agriculture. Albania has about 800 hectares of cultivated area in organic agriculture and we intend to expand it in the future," said Denaj.

Denaj pointed out that this is a sector with growth not only in production but also in quality, where it is noticed that investments have increased, and the value in the European market has increased.

Focusing on the legal changes, the minister emphasized that they help the sector and farmers to develop organic agriculture.

“The purpose of this draft law is to define the principles and rules for organic production, regarding certification and the use of indicators referring to organic production in labeling and advertising, and rules for official control, to provide the basis for the sustainable development of organic production, the efficient functioning of the internal market and the guarantee of fair competition, trust and the protection of the interests of consumers," said Denaj.

The draft law aims to achieve several objectives: to contribute to the protection of the environment and climate; maintain long-term soil fertility; and biodiversity; contribute to high standards of animal welfare and promotion; preservation of rare and Indigenous breeds at risk of extinction; promote the short chain of distribution and local production in the areas; various of the country; production of high-quality food products.