FINANCIAL RESILIENCE OF SMALL LIVESTOCK FARMING IN REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOUTHEASTERN ALBANIA

Background. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of institutional mechanisms of fi nancial support and organizational models on the resilience and long-term financial efficiency of small scale livestock farming. The research methodology was based on a comparative analysis of statistical data on the dynamics of procurement prices for milk and meat at the farm-gate level, the size and direction of subsidies, as well as institutional mechanisms of livestock production support. Results and conclusions. As a result, it was established that procurement prices for milk in France in creased from EUR 1.20 to EUR 1.28 per liter, in Greece – from EUR 1.10 to EUR 1.18 per liter, and in Spain – from EUR 1.05 to EUR 1.12 per liter, while meat prices in Bulgaria increased from EUR 4.80 to EUR 5.80 per kilogram, in Greece – from EUR 5.50 to EUR 6.30 per kilogram, and in France – from EUR 6.00 to EUR 6.80 per kilogram. An analysis of subsidies showed that in Albania their level reached EUR 500÷700 per farm yearly and had a compensatory effect, in Bulgaria – EUR 1,200-1,500, resulting in a cost reduction, in Greece – EUR 2,000÷2,500, with orientation towards modernization, in France – EUR 3,500 ÷ 4,000, with a focus on organic production, in Spain – EUR 2,800 ÷ 3,200, with a risk insurance function. It was found that a comprehensive support that takes into consideration market conditions in creased income stability of small producers, whereas the integration of animal farming with agritourism and ecological practices ensured the diversification of income sources, strengthened social cohesion and created conditions for sustainable development of rural areas. The results obtained may be used by state authorities, research institutions and local communities in developing programs of financial support and improving the efficiency of small-scale livestock farming.