Georgia Receives Grant from EU and Partners to Support Food Production During Covid-19 Crisis

Around €630,000 of matching grants have been awarded in Georgia by the EU, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The aim of the funding is to support food production and security during the COVID-19 crisis. The grants have been provided within the first cycle of applications under the EU’s European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Regional Development (ENPARD III).

The grants focus on the value chains of vegetables, cereals, potatoes, beef, dairy, honey and wine production.

“Today, the whole world, and Georgia as well, is facing severe economic challenges caused by the spread of Covid-19. We are actively working to ensure that Georgia’s population does not have problems with food security. The Ministry, with the support of international partners and donor organizations, has made the necessary changes to the program to help farmers implement projects that will allow them to conduct agricultural activities and increase primary production”, stated Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

This funding will allow farmers, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in equipment, such as tractors, harvesters and greenhouses.

The EU’s contribution from ENPARD will cover between 40% and 60% of the costs. The total value of the investments approved so far in this area is almost €1.5 million.