News
European Investment Bank’s (EIB) President Werner Hoyer: “I have been profoundly impressed by Georgia’s agriculture”
On his visit to Georgia, Mr Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) joined Mr Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) and Mr Javier Sanz Alvarez, Coordinator of Policy Projects in Agriculture and Rural Development for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Georgia to visit Jighaura Agricultural Scientific Research Center.The MEPA’s Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Jighaura is among the beneficiaries of the European Union-supported project with a budget amounting to 5,2 million Euros. The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
President Hoyer observed a collection of vine types at Jighaura and met with local farmers and beneficiaries supported by the EU. He also visited the project-supported modern greenhouses, which complement efforts that sustain unique Georgian vine types and their genetic authenticity.
“I have been profoundly impressed with Georgia’s agriculture and creative approach that has harvested success in Georgian, as well as European markets. The European Union and the European Investment Bank supports development of agriculture in Georgia; through deploying assistance to various medium and small enterprises, which are funded by Georgia through an engagement of partner banks” – President Hoyer stated.
“We cherish our cooperation with the European Union, which has been translated into various projects and reforms. We have tangible progress and advancement toward agricultural and environmental programming, which will complement Georgia’s integration into the European family. Georgian-produced agricultural production has been gradually attaining positions at the European markets. We cultivate international standards and establish competitive production. Our legislative base and various important actions toward environmental protection complement harmonization efforts with the European standards” – Minister Davitashvili stated.
“Screen houses complement actions safeguarding authentic Georgian vine types. Georgia has a diverse spectrum of vines and an accurate programming of private vine nurseries will translate into production of certified varieties. Eventually, the Georgian farmers will be empowered with an improved quality of planting material and phytosanitary environment, which will open up possibilities for an export in the nearest future” - Mr Javier Sanz Alvarez, Coordinator of Policy Projects in Agriculture and Rural Development for the FAO in Georgia stated.
Ms Tea Kutateladze, one of the owners of a private planting nurseries and beneficiaries of the project stressed out how vital high-quality plants for a successful farming is.
For more information on an incumbent and commenced projects supported by the European Union in Georgia can be accessed at: www.eu4georgia.ge