Puka Goat Cheese Farmers to Create Their Own Brand

TIRANA, September 26

Farmers in Puka, Northern Albania, have created their association Agro-Puka and now they want to create their own goat cheese brand. The association that contributes to the integrated development of the area through the promotion of rural and economic growth contributes to improving the live holds of rural communities. Puka area is known for its alpine nature. Financed by We Effect (Swedish Cooperative Centre) the local association is working for the development of small ruminants rearing. This sector of economy generates considerable revenues for the inhabitants of the area.

About 52 percent of households in Puka depend on livestock. Almost every family owns cattle and rears them.
Currently, there are only two milk processing units, but there is not milk collection unit and its by-products. This link would help to create a complete cycle of milk production, collection, storage, and processing. This would help to increase the economic stability of rural communities.
In the meantime, the interest by visitors, both Albanian and international on the goat cheese produced in the area, is encouraging Puka farmers to increase milk processing from their farms.
According to a recent study, Puka area has a potential for goat cheese production. Almost 80 percent of the area is covered in forests. Local farmers in cooperation with donators are working for branding goat cheese as a highly sought-product from tourists and consumers.

News Source: ATA

Photo credit: AgroPuka