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FAO launches a grant competition for cooperatives and communities of Ateni, Flevi, Tvishi and Sori
With the financial support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture offers small business investments grants to farmers and cooperatives registered in Ateni and Flevi (Shida Kartli), Tvishi and Sori (Racha-Lechkhumi regions). The grant competition envisages financial support to agricultural initiatives, namely provision of rural infrastructure and support services to increase agricultural productivity of cooperatives and local communities living in above mentioned regions. The maximum amount is $10,000 per grant, with an exchange rate to Georgian Gel. The grant funding make up 75% of the investment budget; The remaining 25% must be paid by the beneficiary in the form of cash contribution or donation of labour.
The grant competition is one of the directions of the " Agricultural and Rural Development Project" funded by the Government of Austria and implemented by FAO.
The project aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, increase food production and reduce rural poverty and social inequality.
The project also envisages establishment of local community initiative groups, organization of demonstration land plots, training of employees of farmers' information-consulting service centers, also providing locals with the environmentally friendly agricultural practices targeted at building sustainable ecosystems and minimizing environmental damage.
Interested persons willing to participate in the competition should submit applications from April 30 to May 20 and contact to the regional services of the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture - Shida Kartli Regional Service, Levan Mumladze, 577 080 500 and Racha-Lechkhumi Kvemo Svaneti Regional Service, Ana Kanteladze, 595 054 888. Information on the grant competition is also available at: 595 093 749.