With EU and Sweden Support, Women in Istog/Istok Launch New Organic Tea Production Line, Boosting Sustainable Forestry and Job Creation

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 – Today, the official launch of the local organic filter tea production line took place in Istog/Istok, as part of the EU and Sweden – funded programme "Support to Strengthening Sustainable and Multifunctional Forest Management to Improve Livelihoods in Rural Areas and Address Climate Change in Kosovo."  This programme is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. 

The Women’s Association “Melissa” from Istog/Istok has begun producing organic filter tea using an innovative packaging process. This new tea production line, a unique model in the market and a novel approach to tea packaging, was established with support from the programme. The equipment is designed to facilitate the production of organic filter tea using raw materials sourced from medicinal and aromatic plants grown in the Radusha/ Raduša region, which are collected by the members of the Melissa Association. 

With this support, the association can now add value to their collected products, thereby completing the value chain of forest-related products such as medicinal and aromatic plants. 

Additionally, the members of Women Association will triple the amount of aromatic and medicinal plants collected in Radusha/ Raduša and produce a new brand of organic filter tea in Kosovo, called "Melissa". 

This product line, is expected that this production line will create new jobs, including three full –time position for women in the processing  stage and 25 part time jobs for plant collection and product delivery  for processing.

The collection of non-wood forest products, including medical and aromatic plants, by the members of association will be guided by the new Multi-Purpose Forest Management Plan for Radusha/ Raduša region. This plan ensures that the collection process supports the sustainability of forest resources. 

The event was attended by representatives from the European Union in Kosovo, the Embassy of Sweden in Pristina, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Municipality of Istog/Istok, the Women’s Association "Melissa," and local businesses.

During the event, representatives from these organisations highlighted the importance of the project and the critical role women play in raising community awareness about the sustainable use of forest resources and the challenges of climate change. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing efforts toward a more sustainable future in forest management and environmental protection.

Olivier Boudart, Team leader for Green Agenda and Territorial Development at the EU Office in Kosovo, emphasized the long-term potential of sustainable forest management.

“The Melissa Association exemplifies how forests, when managed sustainably, can give back much more. We are hopeful that the equipment we are handing over today will significantly improve the value chain for these plants, further strengthening the economic viability of the Melissa Association”, said Bourdart.

Henrik Riby, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden, expressed pride in supporting this initiative and shared his hopes that the equipment provided to the Melissa Association will help make their products more accessible in Kosovo and even available for export.

“We are very proud to support you in this way together with EU, FAO and the Ministry, because we do believe that hard work and good understanding on value change can change life”, said Riby.

Ali Nimanaj, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Istog/Istok, highlighted the region's rich natural resources and its tradition in producing organic teas. 

"The Municipality of Istog/Istok stands out for its natural assets. There are mountains, and through nature, these aromatic medicinal plants are connected. In addition to various food uses, these plants contribute to economic development and the empowerment of women," said Nimanaj.

During the launch ceremony, a demonstration was conducted to showcase the functionality of the equipment designed to facilitate the production of organic tea.