Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under the EU-supported ENPARD programme, continues to train farmers in business, finances and marketing basics. Up to 70 farmers who attended meetings in Akhmeta, Dedoplistskharo, Lagodekhi and Tbilisi learned how to link with relevant markets and how to manage record keeping and budget.

The main objective of the training sessions is to help rural producers and farmers to turn their agricultural and farming activities into a successful business model. Knowledge of marketing and business basics will allow them not only to enhance their profit potential but also to acquire valuable skills needed to write business plans while applying for agricultural grant programmes or for a bank loan.

Interactive sessions conducted in line with national COVID-19 regulations included presentations, visual demonstrations, question and answer sessions and exercises for the participants based on real-life examples. Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO Programme Coordinator explains that the trainings are expected to result in increased revenues, better profitability and more effective utilization of resources by producers.

‘’EU and FAO support to Georgian farmers is multidimensional – from providing co-funding for capital agricultural investments, to bringing innovative methods and best agricultural knowledge, as well as teaching hands-on skills of operating successful agricultural businesses. Strong farmers and rural producers can broadly contribute to the food safety and security, which is an utmost priority, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic”, Sanz Alvarez said.

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge