Climate
The geographic position of Albania results in a Mediterranean climate in the western lowland coastal area and continental climate in the remaining areas. According to the Hydro-meteorological Institute (1988), there are four climatic subdivisions within the country: the Mediterranean flat zone, the Mediterranean hilly zone, the Mediterranean sub-mountainous zone, and the Mediterranean mountainous zone.
The flat zone, which is mostly the coastal area, has relatively dry and hot summers with mean temperature of 26 °C and mean humidity of 60% in July and August. Winters are cool and wet with mean temperatures in December and January of 11.8 °C and 9.8 °C. The area from Vlore to Saranda in the south
is best suited for citrus cultivation, because the incidence of frost is very low. Average annual rainfall of this zone is 900-1400 mm, and more than 80% occurs during the rainy season from October to March. The central and northern part of the coastal area is wetter, especially in Shkodra where rainfall measures about 2000 mm per year.
The hilly area stretching from north to south and located on the eastern side of the coastal zone is divided into three parts: northern, central and southern sub-zones. Hills reach an altitude of 300 to 500 m and have similar climate characteristics of the flat zone.
The sub-mountainous zone is comprised of highland plains in the south(plain of Korca) and river valleys in Peshkopi, Kukes, Tropoje and Puke. The altitude is about 800m and the mean temperatures are 3-4 °C lower than the coastal plain and have frequent frost. The plain of Korca is an important agricultural area.
The mountainous zone which covers all lands above 800 m has a continental climate. Annual precipitation is 1000-1800 mm, and in the Northern Albanian Alps it exceeds 2000 mm. Maximum summer temperatures are always below 25 °C, while minimum temperatures can be as low as -25 °C. This is an area covered mostly by forests and natural pastures.

Geography
The Republic of Albania is located in the Balkan Peninsula, between 39° 38' and 42° 39' N latitude, and 19° 16' and 21° 40' E longitude. Total surface area of the country is 28748 km2, and out of this area, only 16.2% is less than 100 m above see level. It is very mountainous, with many varied landscapes including bare rock. Albania has a total agricultural land area of about 700,000 ha. Because of the differences in climate, natural vegetation, slope, and parent rocks, soils are highly diverse.

Horticulture
Many aspects of horticulture can be found in Albania; fruit growing, flower culture, vegetable production under glass and plastics and in the open field.

Distribution of Horticulture
Protected cultivation (mainly vegetables) is concentrated in the lowland western part of Albania, while open field vegetable growing is practiced in all regions. Fruit, mainly wine, olive trees, apple and plums are broadly scattered all over Albania, mainly in the hilly areas.

Research Thrusts
The major research thrusts are the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the
Ministry of Education and Research. The private enterprises are still weak
to carry out scientific programs on horticultural research.

Nature of Institutes
Horticultural research nowadays is directed to sustainable growing systems,
and is primarily conducted by two groups of institutions:
1. Research institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and
2. Departments of the State Agricultural Universities at Tirana and Korca

Organisations / Institutes:
Plant Protection Institute
Vegetable and Potatoes Research Institute

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