Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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The Presentation of the Project "Inclusive Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture"

The Ministry of Environmental and Agriculture of Georgia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), are launching a new project in Georgia with the financial support of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). 

The USD 4 million Project "Inclusive Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture" will be implemented over four years. The project target group includes farmers, relevant associations, cooperatives, rural households, educational institutions, and private sector representatives.

Mr. Tengiz Nasaridze, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, commended FAO for its aid in the agriculture sector, noting that the state will continue vigorously to implement support programs in the future.

"The Government of Georgia implements several targeted programs to support the agricultural sector. Our programs aim at stimulating entrepreneurship, both in the primary production and processing sectors, which, in turn, ensures increased incomes for the rural community. The agricultural sector is actively developing through support of the state policy, and therefore, the export of agro-food products is annually increasing. Ultimately, I will add, that the support of our partners is the most essential aspect in achieving these results", Mr. Tengiz Nasaridze noted. 

The new project will provide opportunities for farmers, entrepreneur/producer groups, youth, and women and increase community awareness of rural development issues in the selected municipalities.
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According to the Representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Georgia, Mr. Raimund Jehle, this project, which is another step towards the European Union, will enable the rural community to engage actively in agricultural activities. 

"The mentioned program will help to improve the living conditions of rural residents in Georgia, strengthen economic opportunities, and implement the agricultural and rural development strategy, which will be a step forward for Georgia on the path to European integration. The project that we signed today aims to improve the effectiveness of the socially inclusive rural development strategy by putting a special focus on women and youth. We firmly believe that mobilizing and strengthening these two social groups will contribute to rural development in the country, bringing in new ideas and innovative approaches ", said Mr. Raimund Jehle.

Mr. Gela Samkharauli, Chairman of the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Aleksandre Karneri, Head of the Technical Coordination Office of the Austrian Embassy, Mr. Davit Tsitlidze, Director of the Rural Development Agency, Mr. Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific Research Center of Agriculture, Mr. Nino Zambakhidze, Chair of the Georgian Farmers' Association, representatives of non-governmental and international organizations and other stakeholders attended the presentation of the project "Inclusive Rural Development and Sustainable Agriculture".