On 29 July 2015, European Movement in Albania (EMA) in partnership with Slovak Foreign Policy Association, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and
Water Administration organized the 1st Session of Working Group III, with the Topic: “Food Safety Reform – PPP option to enable increasing the effectiveness of public services”

Mr. Alban Zusi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration enhanced the idea to proceed with the reforms in Food Safety and Agriculture, as the only mean to progress on the European Union integration process. Mr. Zusi explained that his Institution has started the implementation of a Food Safety Reform, which would accelerate the integration process, promising more guarantee that the legislation and directives from EU will be implemented correctly. He underlined that this reform needs new private partners such as: the business and the National Food Authority (AKU). Mr. Zusi during his speech said that the only responsible authority on controlling the food safety will remain AKU, leaving no space for excuses of non accountability, but on the other hand in horizontal system functions might be delegated to private subjects under AKU’s surveillance. The process of Installation of Food Safety which will guarantee the creation of unit manufacturing traceability database, will facilitate the opening livestock export and will increase food safety, as well as market competitiveness. Concluding, he reemphasized the need of a proactive engagement and cooperation of the private business during the adaption and implementation of projects in the regard of food safety, as a way to leave behind the work culture that everything should be done by state institutions.

Mr. Agim Rrapaj, Chairman of Albanian Agribusiness Council, assessed as relevant these kinds of participations. To him the main reason why Albanian products cannot be exported is the lack of a proper food safety system, coming as a consequence of the incorrect implementation of legislation from Albanian state. Because of this, it is necessary to speed up some laws adoption and implementation, including the Reform, which is expected with great interest from the agribusiness.
In the status of General Director of National Food Authority, Mr. Afrim Bakaj listed a number of issues faced by the institution. First, the existence of AKU as the only authority to guarantee food safety and consummator protection, it makes this task very difficult to handle. He asked for a constant support and closer cooperation with the government. Second, he underlined the fact that a proper infrastructure is missing, including the lack of specialists for food safety. Mr. Bakaj, assesses as a crucial point the partnership and engagement between different actors for reaching the goal: “from Farm, to Table” and to guarantee the food safety.

Mr. Florjan Xhafa, Working Group Expert of EMA, remarked this round table as really essential. Mr. Xhafa explained the crucial relevance that food safety has in EU, and should have also in Albania. He examined two key directions of food safety: food business operators (from manufacturing, collection, to packing up) that function based on the principle that they guarantee the food safety. The traceability data system, according to Mr. Xhafa, is the key factor which needs to be stabilized and improved, as the only guarantee for food to be exported. Later he analysed the second factor which is the official control or inspection, responsible to control and monitor, but not accountable regarding the production process. So the second factor guarantees the system of food safety by protecting the consumers while monitors and cooperates with the business, avoiding the penalization process. Also, Mr. Xhafa, mentioned the EU standardization regarding scientific research labs with ISO systems, explaining the whole picture of EU legislation in respect of food safety and also he made known the preparation of a draft-VKM in Albania to make possible the partnership between private and public sector. Concluding, he emphasised the relevance of education for the progress of this process.

During discussions between the panellists and the participant, it was emphasized that in the light of the technology advances rhythm, a cooperation between scientific researches lab should be set up. Also, state institutions in cooperation with civil society organization and media should constantly organize education and awareness campaigns for the general public.