Albania

Albania’s potato cultivation spans a diverse range of agro-ecological zones, from the fertile lowland plains of Tirana to the elevated regions of Korçë, Biza, and Shishtavec. The country experiences a Mediterranean-type climate characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with most of the annual precipitation concentrated during the autumn and winter months. Spring and summer often bring near-drought conditions, requiring efficient irrigation practices to sustain crop yields.

With approximately 700,000 hectares of arable land, potatoes have emerged as one of the key horticultural crops in Albania, registering steady increases in production over recent years. As of the latest estimates, Albania produces approximately 274,188.2 metric tonnes of potatoes annually, maintaining a lead over neighboring countries such as North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

The major potato-growing regions include the Tirana lowlands, the Korçë plateau, and the high-altitude zones of Biza and Shishtavec. The Tirana plains, situated at around 40 meters above sea level, are well-suited for early-maturing varieties due to their warmer climate and shorter growing season. In contrast, Korçë, located at mid-altitudes, supports medium-maturity varieties and yields high marketable output, although summer temperatures exceeding 27°C may occasionally affect tuber development. Biza and Shishtavec, being located at higher elevations, provide optimal conditions for the production of high-quality seed potatoes due to lower maximum temperatures (typically below 23°C) during the critical tuberization stage.

Modern potato cultivation in Albania relies heavily on imported cultivars, as traditional local landraces have largely been phased out. In 2023, a varietal evaluation trial conducted in Tirana assessed thirteen foreign-origin cultivars: Gala, Maima, Blondine, Alaska, Spectra, Fokus, Mariela, Sokol, Adreta, Frisia, Universa, Arinda, and Marfona. These were evaluated for yield, maturity, size, and cooking quality. Alaska showed the highest yield, followed by Fokus. Early-maturing varieties like Adreta and Gala were ideal for Tirana’s lowlands, while medium-maturity types such as Mariela, Sokol, and Spectra performed best in upland areas.

Research and development is led by the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT), particularly its Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, with key varietal trials at the Valias experimental station. Historically, potato R&D was supported by the Albanian Institute of Agricultural Research and the Horticultural and Potato Institute (both active until 2006), whose roles have since been transferred to the Transfer Centers of Agricultural Technology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

This integrated approach—guided by agro-climatic suitability, cultivar performance, and institutional support—underpins the continued growth and resilience of potato production in Albania.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) was introduced into Albania during the Ottoman period and later cultivated more extensively in the 20th century. Scientific research into potato varieties began with the establishment of the Albanian Horticultural and Potato Institute in 1972, which operated until its reorganization in 2006.

During that time, the institute played a pivotal role in seed selection, development of new horticultural varieties, and advancing cultivation techniques, helping Albania export horticultural products across Europe in the 1980s.

Today, potatoes rank among the country’s leading vegetable crops, with production reaching approximately 254 000 tonnes in 2018, reflecting their importance in both domestic consumption and the rural economy.