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

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The Georgian Hazelnut Sector Improvement Project (G-HIP) has been completed.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, and USAID Mission Director, Mr. John Pennell attended the closing ceremony of the Georgian Hazelnut Sector Improvement Project (G-HIP). 
From 2015-2023, the non-governmental organization "CNFA - Georgia" has been implementing the project with the financial support of the USAID and FERRERO companies.

"The United States of America is an important and strategic partner of Georgia. Several important agricultural and rural development initiatives and projects have been implemented in Georgia over the years with the help of the US Agency for International Cooperation (USAID). Moreover, it is critical, that the state pursues a consistent policy to help the hazelnut industry to develop and increase production, export, and revenue. The initiative carried out with the assistance of the United States was crucial for our hazelnut sector. The mentioned project was effective and significantly contributed to the growth of the quality and quantity of hazelnuts and the overall development of the hazelnut sector ", stated Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili.

The USAID Mission Director, Mr. John Pennell expressed appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between donors, the state, and the private sector, noting that the project has yielded significant results.

"Under the framework of the project, we assisted farmers in Georgia in improving their hazelnut production. As a result, the mentioned project benefited up to 35,000 (almost 70%) hazelnut producers in Georgia.
The production and sales grew to $145 million. Farmers received various types of funding from donors and the Georgian government," Mr. Pennell stated.

During the meeting, the parties summed up the results of the Georgian Hazelnut Improvement Project (G-HIP), noting that the objectives of the project were achieved and the hazelnut industry has developed significantly with the assistance of sectoral associations (Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) and the Hazelnut Processors and Exporters Association of Georgia (HEPA).
Under the scope of the project, in close collaboration and financial assistance of the Rural Development Agency (RDA), eight new enterprises were built and equipped with modern equipment, which can dry 7.5 thousand tonnes of hazelnuts per season and store up to four thousand tonnes of products (total investment amounting to USD 2.4 million);

The National Food Agency (NFA) was ensured with pheromones worth $800,000 for the effective implementation of pest-control measures, including conducting monitoring of the pest and setting up "attract and kill" stations. International professional assistance was provided, and an information campaign was funded to increase public awareness/participation in pest control measures. The first steps have been taken to develop the most significant component of hazelnut safety standards - the traceability system. The support was provided to industry associations. More than 180 students from 10 higher educational institutions in Georgia were trained on the FERRERO base to increase their knowledge regarding the full cycle of hazelnut production, care, and processing "From Farm to Table".
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The event also included a panel discussion "Achievements and Challenges of the Georgian Hazelnut Sector".
The representatives of the state, donor and non-governmental organizations, industry associations and educational institutions, industry specialists, and farmers attended the event.