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 USAID Agriculture Program summary event.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr.  Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mr. Levan Davitashvili, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Georgia, Mrs. Robin L. Dunnigan, and the President of the International Organization "Setting New Frontiers in Agriculture" (CNFA), Mr. Sylvain Roy, delivered opening remarks at the event.

 The event addressed the program's achievements, including honoring and awarding the program's recipients, representatives of successful agribusinesses.
Mr. Shamugia commended the US Government and USAID for their assistance, emphasizing that the US is a significant supporter of Georgia, both politically and economically.

"We actively cooperate with the United States of America in environmental protection and agricultural fields. More than 1000 companies received different types of assistance under the indicated program, including adopting International food safety standards.

 Moreover, the companies have significantly increased their production and sales both domestically and in export markets. Agricultural development is one of the top priorities for the Georgian Government. This year, we are implementing over 15 programs to support our farmers and entrepreneurs, covering almost the whole value chain. Projects implemented together with partners make all the abovementioned much more effective. Ultimately, our goal is to support farmers to produce quality Georgian products and become more competitive in the global market," said Mr. Otar Shamugia.
Mrs. Robin L. Dunnigan, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia, focused on the results achieved within the program.

"The USA and Georgia have been partners for 32 years, with the United States investing around 6 billion dollars in Georgia throughout that time. The USAID Rural Development Program has played a crucial role in the agricultural development. Within the framework of the said program, six thousand new jobs were created, and the program has improved the lives of one hundred thousand people, while also promoting the development of the agricultural sector," the Ambassador said.
According to the First Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mr. Levan Davitashvili, as a result of the program, agro-food products worth about 150 million dollars were exported.

The representatives of the Parliament of Georgia, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, non-governmental and international organizations, and industry associations attended the meeting.

CNFA carried out the USAID agriculture program for five and a half years, with a budget of  26.88 million US dollars.
The program helped to develop the agricultural sector, boost the economic and social capacities of the rural population, exploit new markets, and increase exports throughout the country.

The partners of the program were: the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the Rural Development Agency, the National Food Agency, the National Wine Agency, "Produce in Georgia", international donor organizations, financial institutions, and media outlets.