Horticulture Promotion in Kosovo (HPK)

The Horticulture Promotion in Kosovo (HPK) project marked the beginning of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation’s work in Kosovo. Implemented over twelve years (2000–2012), the project played a key role in developing the horticulture sector and creating sustainable income and employment opportunities in rural areas.

Funded by the Swiss Government and the Danish Government, HPK supported producers, processors, and traders across multiple horticultural subsectors. The project focused on improving production practices, product quality, and strengthening linkages between market actors.

A central component of HPK was the Competitive Fund for Horticulture, which co-financed investments by farmers and agribusinesses in areas such as processing, storage, packaging, and modern production technologies. This mechanism helped mobilise private investment and supported the growth of small and medium enterprises across Kosovo.

Through its value chain approach, HPK contributed to increased productivity, improved market access, and stronger cooperation between sector actors. The project also supported the development of institutional and technical capacities within the horticulture sector, promoting more sustainable and competitive market systems.

Over its implementation period, HPK contributed to higher rural incomes, job creation, and the consolidation of a more structured and market-oriented horticulture sector. Its impact continued beyond the project’s closure in 2012, laying the foundation for further development of Kosovo’s agribusiness sector.