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Minister Levan Davitashvili: "upon joining forces with the USAID, impactful infrastructure programs will be implemented for improving Georgia’s hazelnut industry"
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr Levan Davitashvili and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, Kelly Degnan visited the hazelnut manufacturing enterprise, located in Lagodekhi. The new enterprise has resulted from the USAID-supported "Georgia Hazelnut Improvement Project" (G-HIP). LTD "Kakhetis Tkhili" has been equipped with hazelnut crop cleaning, dryer and storage centers that are in full compliance with the latest standards.
"For the last few years, we have been joining forces with the USAID for implementing hazelnut improvement project, which has resulted into impactful infrastructural projects. The hazelnut dryer located in the Lagodekhi municipality is vital for an enhancement of hazelnut chain of worth. We have high hopes for carrying out the latter project during an upcoming year, as it will result into farmers being able to wisely allocate their harvest, dry it, position their top-notch quality production at a better price and gain a higher income" - Minister Davitashvili stated.
"The new enterprise is the sixth one in a row, which has started operation through support from the USAID, Government of Georgia and the Georgian Hazelnut Growers' Association. It will be an enterprise that will be at service for more than 200 farmers, increase farmers' income, complement their families' wellbeing and enhance diversification of markets. The United States of America and USAID are proud to be implementing partners within the respective project", - Ambassador Kelly Degnan stated.
A total amount exceeding 250, 000 USD has been invested into the respective enterprise; these investments entail: 275, 000 GEL of state grant; 277, 000 GEL of preferential agricultural loan; 50, 000 USD grant issued in frames of the USAID-initiated Georgia Hazelnut Improvement Project (G-HIP).
The enterprise will ensure drying of 1,000 tons of hazelnut annually and storage of 500 tons. Moreover, 16 new working places have been created.
More than 200 farmers will make use of an enterprise.
Opening of the new enterprise enjoyed presence of Minister Davitashvili, Ambassador Kelly Degnan, as well as acting Kakheti Governor Irakli Shioshvili and Director of Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA), Irakli Tamarashvili.