After arriving in Italy in 2009 from Krujë, a city in the north of Albania, Armand Kurti worked 10 years as an agricultural operator. Now that he is 30, he has become an entrepreneur thanks to his self-will and spirit of sacrifice.
"The poverty rate has always been among the highest in Europe in my country of origin. This is why my family decided to come to Italy, and more precisely to Basilicata. We wanted to find a job and live without worries, but things went differently. Over the years, I have worked many jobs in the agricultural field, a sector than fascinated me. I wanted to do my part so, in 2019, I set up my own business thanks to a few friends and eased the first citrus fruit groves, followed by apricots, peaches and nectarines. I now cultivate around 120 hectares, including my own and leased land in various municipalities of the Metaponto area such as Scanzano Jonico, Tursi and Policoro."
Armand Kurti
Armand was a simple agricultural worker who loved agriculture and his new country. "In 2022, I planted my first two hectares of Sabrosa-Candonga strawberries. This year, I have 350 thousand plants on 5 hectares."
The business employs over 200 people, 38 of whom are hired all year round. "I di not have problems in finding workers. I prefer to make less money and pay my employees fairly, making them work for the hours established. I know full well what it means to harvest strawberries for hours or to load orange crates on trucks."
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Armand commercializes his produce on various Italian markets from Puglia to Lombardy. "I am pleased with what I have created do far but, most of all, I feel lucky that I have found my fortune in Basilicata. It is a lovely region, filled with fertile land and opportunities. You just need to make an effort. If you work well and with humility, results do come. My story is proof that anyone can make it."
After the stone fruit campaign, Kurt will uproot an apricot orchard to plant 10 hectares of golden kiwis.
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Kurti Armand
Via Digno G. 3
75028 Tursi (Matera)
armandkurt@libero.it
+39 324 834 3680