A number of positive changes – including improved rural policies, strengthened value chains, sustainable management of natural resources and environmentally friendly agricultural practices – are expected to help Georgia’s agricultural producers become more competitive while reducing the contributions of agricultural production to climate change.

These are among the objectives of a new, EUR 2-million project to be implemented by FAO with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC).

The project agreement was signed this past week in Berlin by Levan Davitashvili, head of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia. The project also aims to improve capacities in the ministry.

“The new project matches the country’s needs and priorities,” Jehle said. “FAO, with the help of the Austrian government, will once again mobilize its expertise to support smallholders and family farms and contribute to sustainable and more resilient environment-friendly agriculture and stronger institutions.”

The project will use a two-fold approach, providing policy advice supported by piloted examples in the field. Focus will be placed on extension services, climate-smart agriculture and development of rural areas. Investment support schemes for rural development will be developed and piloted in four communities in two regions of Georgia.