Farm to Fork Academy Awards Ceremony
As part of the first edition of the “Farm to Fork” Academy Awards, a prize-giving ceremony was held to recognize and promote best practices in sustainable agriculture, rural development, and sustainable food systems. The ceremony took place during the 4th Albanian Rural Parliament, an advocacy platform that brought together approximately 300 participants, creating a conducive environment for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas among rural development actors, public institutions, farmers, civil society organizations, and stakeholders in the agri-food sector.
The three winners in Albania for the first edition of the “Farm to Fork” Academy Awards are as follows:
“Mihal Shahini” Vocational High School – “Zero Kilometer Products” (Kopshtaqe)
This initiative aims to promote fresh, local products produced and distributed within the area, thereby reducing environmental impact and supporting local farmers. 
The project included organizing local markets, awareness-raising activities, partnerships with local businesses, and the creation of the school’s brand, “Kopshtaqe,” through which products from the school’s farm were distributed to the community. The initiative contributes to youth education on sustainable agriculture, the reduction of transport emissions, and the strengthening of the local economy.
Bio Farm Gramsh – “Let’s develop village and rural areas”
Bio Farm Gramsh is an initiative focused on developing rural areas through employment and the involvement of youth in agriculture and agritourism. 
Located in the Bulçar area of Gramsh, the farm has established production and processing chains for local products. Within a few years, the farm employed 13 families and collaborated with 9 other families from surrounding villages, also establishing a collection point that serves local farmers. This initiative contributes to reducing rural exodus, increasing local income, and developing agritourism in the region.
Agropuka – “Increasing the value of local products in Northern Albania”
One of the primary achievements of this initiative was the certification of the “Puka Mushroom” as a product with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which increased the product’s value and promoted local biodiversity and heritage.
This initiative also involved providing support to farmers, establishing groups of women farmers, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agricultural technologies. 
The winners will represent Albania at the regional level and will benefit from promotion and the exchange of experiences with other initiatives across the Western Balkans, contributing to the creation of more sustainable food systems.
***The regional project ‘Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans Our shared European future’ is financed by European Union and jointly implemented by the family of National Rural Development Networks in the six Western Balkan countries and Croatia and their regional cooperation platform Balkan Network for Rural Development.