The organization of Food Safety marketing of small ruminants in Albania

The study was carried out during the period 2009-2012. The main objectives of the study are as follows: market organization and set-up, place and the distance between market and producers, respecting animal welfare standards, animals transportation, data collection on markets (development, trends and questions). Livestock markets of five regions including Tirana, Korça, Shkodra, Milot and Shijak were at the focus of the study. The zonal estimation method was utilized for the purposes of the study. The method was applied in five markets spreading across the afore-mentioned districts. For each district 100 farmers administering 20-50 heads (animals) were randomly included in the study. On average 35 heads ( ± 18) lambs and young goats were marketed by any of the above representing farmers. The period spanning in-situ market surveillance lasted for 80 days (one day/week- market day). In addition, 3 slaughtering facilities and 20 meat dispensing shops for each district -Tirana, Korça and Shkodra as well as 30 and 10 improvised selling points at Milot and Shijak areas were respectively surveyed with regard to slaughtering techniques, hygienic sanitary conditions, livestock marketing conditions etc. Alongside direct zonal assessment and contacts established with farmers, secondary data received by thew Office of Statistics (DRBUMK) and MAFPC were utilized. Data was statistically processed and analyzed by way of ANOVA.The study pointed to the following findings: Marketing infrastructure is almost lacking. Slaughtering capacities in facilities are not utilized properly. Only 15 % of meat shops have refrigerators in place.