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

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Otar Shamugia participates in the ENPARD Steering Committee meeting

.The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, attended the 33rd meeting of the European Union's "European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development" (ENPARD) Steering Committee. 

The Minister commended the European Union for its assistance, stating that the "European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development" played an important role in Georgia's acceptance as an EU candidate member state.

 " ENPARD plays a significant role in aligning Georgia's agriculture policy with the EU policy. Under the program, more than 230 million euros were allocated, including budget support. We had specific indicators, the vast majority of which we fulfilled. 
During the Steering Committee's 33rd meeting, we addressed the steps for the future. We have developed a specific plan for implementing the recommendations published in the framework of the European Commission's report, which we have shared with our partners, the readiness of their support has been recorded, which is crucial", said Mr. Otar Shamugia.

Mr. Nicholas Cendrowicz, the Head of Cooperation at the EU delegation to Georgia, focused on the progress achieved by Georgia.

During the meeting, the parties evaluated the steps taken by Georgia towards food safety and rural/agricultural development and discussed further plans.

"We are actively working. We discussed how we can use ENPARD's experience and support Georgia to move to the opening stage of negotiations with the European Union. I have a great desire to see more Georgian products on the EU market and I am confident that the "European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development" will play a significant role in this direction," said Mr. Nicholas Cendrowicz.

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, Deputy Minister, Mr. Kakha Kakabadze, representatives of the Ministry and relevant agencies included in its system, the European Union Representation, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Czech Development Agency (CzDA) ), the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA) attended the meeting which was organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Following the session, Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, the First Deputy Minister, presided over a meeting of ENPARD implementing organizations and stakeholders.