Tbilisi: Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia met with the First Secretary of the EU Representative Katalin German. At the meeting, the parties discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Program for Rural and Agricultural Development (ENPARD IV).
The minister thanked the European Union for its cooperation and financial support and stressed the importance of the program.
 “You will be reminded that the development of agriculture is a priority for the state. The European Union is a strong supporter of Georgia’s agriculture, rural development and environmental direction strengthening.”Â
We, with the help of the EU and donor organizations, have implemented important projects, but the challenges remain. I think that with a joint effort we can effectively reform the sector and promote the process of getting closer to the EU,” Otar Shamugia said.
 According to Katalin German, the European Union, together with donor organizations, supports the effective implementation of the tasks set out within the framework of ENPARD IV, which will make an important contribution to the country’s closer to the EU.
 At the meeting, the talk was about strengthening the capacity of the National Food Agency and the Agriculture Laboratory, promoting cooperative farming and effective implementation of the local support program based on the LEADER/CLLD approach.
 The meeting held at the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture was attended by Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture Nino Tandilashvili and heads of relevant services.
