Avni Shabani, a farmer from Peran (municipality of Podujeva) in northern Kosova, founder of the Agroprodukt Commerce, had been collecting and freezing wild mushrooms for the export market. However, climate change decreased the reliability of his harvest and reduced the viability of his business. While Avni knew how to produce and freeze raspberries, he could not produce sufficient volumes to interest European buyers, who demanded hundreds or thousands of tons of product. Through conversations with the AGRO team, Avni changed his position in the value chain from mushroom collector and processor to a raspberry aggregator. The AGRO team connected Avni with potential farmers in the area while supporting new producers with up to 50 percent of start-up capital costs. Using Tetra Tech’s proven contracting mechanism, Avni developed a network of growers which could produce the volumes required by foreign buyers. Simultaneously, he engaged with project experts to deliver technical advice through demonstrations with nearby smallholders. Within two years, Avni was aggregating 1,600 metric tons of raspberries for the frozen market from 450 small-scale growers throughout the municipality. Avni’s business created more than 300 new jobs, spurring the confidence for others to crowd into the raspberry value chain.

Methods and Stakeholders:

• Value Chain Transition: With support from the USAID Agricultural Growth and Rural Opportunities (AGRO) program, Avni shifted from mushroom collection to raspberry aggregation.
• Farmer Network Development: Established a network of 450 small-scale growers in the Podujeva municipality.
• Technical Assistance: Collaborated with project experts to provide training and demonstrations to local farmers.
  

Climate Change Impact: Decreased reliability of wild mushroom harvests due to changing climate conditions, affecting the viability of existing businesses.

Market Demand: European buyers required large volumes of produce, which individual small-scale farmers struggled to supply.

Transferability and Impact:

• Increased Production: Aggregated 1,600 metric tons of raspberries for the frozen market.
• Employment Generation: Created over 300 new jobs, boosting local employment and economic stability.
• Scalability: Demonstrated a successful model for transitioning agricultural practices in response to market demands and environmental changes.

Technical Feasibility:

• Resource Accessibility: Utilized existing agricultural knowledge and infrastructure, supplemented with targeted training and support.
• Market Linkages: Established connections with European buyers, ensuring a stable market for the aggregated produce.