USAID Helps Modernize Table Grape Industry, Catalyzing Exports

New varieties, technologies and practices put table grape industry on path to growth. RAHOVEC/ORAHOVAC, KosovoUSAIDs comprehensive efforts to modernize the table grape industry in this historically viticultural region have paid off, with local growers signing a major export deal to supply markets in western Europe. Zri i Bujkut, a Rahovec-based association of grape growers, recently agreed to supply Kelmendi GmbH with up to 7,000 tons of fresh table grapes, beginning with the fall 2014 harvest, said association president Habib Dina. The deal, signed in November, potentially covers the entire local harvest of quality table grapes. USAIDs New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA) project helped broker the deal with Kelmendi, a food wholesaler with offices in Kosovo and Germany. The export deal confirms the tremendous gains in the quality, quantity and overall marketability of the table grapes grown in Kosovo, thanks in large part to technical, cultural and other changes introduced by USAID with the assistance of the local municipality and producers association. These changes reflect internationally recognized best practices, and include the introduction of new and improved trellising, novel seedless and seeded grape varieties with proven market appeal and state-of-the-art canopy management, says Michael Kimes, USAID/NOAs chief technical officer. This last practice includes advanced training and pruning techniques taught by international and local experts. The contract deal marks a significant move forward in the export-oriented development of Kosovos fresh fruit and vegetable industry. In Rahovec, for example, many of the vineyards traditionally produced wine grapes that often

Employees of the StoneCastle vineyard in Rahovec/Orahovac prune table grapes trained to grow on new Y-shaped trellises. USAIDs international experts introduced the

. The vineyard at StoneCastle, which USAID has supported to become Kosovos finest.

Introduction of a T-style trellising system at StoneCastle improved grape quality and quantity.

went unsold even on local markets. USAIDs interventions have included the commercial-scale regrafting of the regions wine vines, converting them to produce table grapes. That conversion will allow local growers to better satisfy local demand for table grapes, replacing imports in the process, as well as opening new export markets. Kelmendi, with the assistance of Kosovos Ministry of Agriculture, is currently constructing a large-scale packing facility in Peja/Pec, a little more than an hours drive from Rahovec. The facility will include modern forced-air cooling equipment for table grapes and other fresh fruits, increasing Kosovos capacity to export quality produce.

A local expert engaged by USAID examines grapes for presence of insect pests.