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''Strengthening engagement of sectoral associations is important for the development of aquaculture sector in Georgia'' stated Levan Davitashvili
At the meeting with the Head of the Organic Aquaculture Development Association “Fhoreji”, Sophio Diasamidze, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili discussed aquaculture development related issues and brought forward challenges facing the fishery sector in the country.
"If sustainable food value chains aren’t developed and production isn’t increased, neither fishing industry will be enhanced in the country. We see challenges in this area, whereby, active engagement of sectoral associations in cooperation with the government is of utmost importance. In September, the 4th phase of the of the European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) will be launched, which envisages a support for institutional development of sectoral associations, all the above mentioned will consequently contribute to the effective development of the agricultural sector. Ultimately, the draft law on " Aquaculture Development" has already been developed and submitted to the Parliament to regulate many problems facing the sector "- said Levan Davitashvili.
According to Sophio Diasamidze, the association has a full service, regarding whitebait production in the fish farms. The particular attention is paid to training and increasing knowledge of beneficiary fishermen on the fish farming, breeding, full life cycle of fish etc. Sophio Diasamidze also noted, that access to financial resources, as well as provision of quality feed for whitebait is especially important for the development of fish farms in the country.
The Organic Aquaculture Development Association embraces 65 members. The association aims to increase the knowledge of fishermen, promote the development of fish farms, production and reproduction of healthy, genetically engineered whitebait in the country.