Tbilisi: The final event of the European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) phase III was held and organized by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). The event was opened by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Nino Tandilashvili and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Safety Program Manager of the EU Representation in Georgia, Jorge Deu.
EU-backed results of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were presented to participants.As the Deputy Minister noted in his speech, the ENPARD program is helping the Georgian agriculture sector to get closer to EU standards and requirements.
“In the framework of the program, we received a strategic document for agriculture and rural development, which fully meets EU requirements. With support from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 350 farmers have benefited from a grant, which means 40% co-financing for agricultural equipment, technology and access to new farming practices Towards the implementation of the program.
This will help farmers to become competitive, take advantage of additional financial resources and export their produce to the EU market,” said Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture Nino Tandilash Willma.
At the event, FAO-EU Program Coordinator, Javier San Alvarez, presented the presentation of the project summary report.
“The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), within the ENPARD program, since 2013, has been successfully promoting the development of agriculture in Georgia by improving the national Agri policy, providing technical assistance, improving access to finance for companies and farmers, training farmers, fertilizing with state structures and private sector key representatives.
“In cooperation, FAO and EU have helped to represent the full potential of Georgia’s agriculture sector and emphasized the importance of developing sustainable agro-food systems for local communities,” said San AlvareZ.
The participants of the event also discussed the main priorities of sustainable development of the agricultural system of the future agriculture and rural development European Neighborhood Program ENPARD.
Panel discussions on environmental issues and the best practices, and investment opportunities under ENPARD Phase IV were also made.
