Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP-s), in farmer’s lands of Malesia e Madhe district, started massively only a few years ago (6-8 years) and it remains a practice to be improved. One of the main long-lasting issues is the informality in the production and distribution of uncertified seeds and seedlings to farmers. In the beginning, when the massive plantation started, more than 500 ha, which were planted using uncertified seeds and seedlings, failed to produce. The area had to be replanted causing a serious impact on market relations and economies of involved farmers and businesses.

CNVP Albania is facilitating MAP businesses, extension service and farmers in Malesia e Madhe, by allowing them to come together, meet and train in order to be able to select local certified varieties of sage for the new organic plantations. Business is interested in these local seedling varieties as they represent the best quality for the production of plants and essential oils, a fact which is also supported by researches and analyses from MAP sector.

Farmers of Rec, Dedaj, and Zagora village, in Malesia e Madhe district, were introduced to a few varieties of sage that have been planted in their region, differences they have in length of a growth cycle, quality and quantities of production and resistance toward soil and climate conditions. Sage variety such as Salvia Nord remains a very attractive, certified and organic, local cultivar to be used in the future by farmers in that district.

Promotion of qualitative certified seeds and seedlings, to be used by small scale farmers, remains crucial for a successful future sustainable qualitative production.

This event was organized on 18 October 2019 in Malesia e Madhe in the framework of Sida funded LED project, which is being implemented in four regions in Albania.