On 10 March 2017, international organisation “People in Need” (PIN) and its partner “Association of Young Economists of Georgia” presented research report “Assessment of the Preferential Agro Credit Project from Farmers’ Needs and Requirements Perspective”.

The research was conducted with the support of EU, in the framework of European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD), under the PIN’s project “Enhancing Small Farmers’ Cooperation and Productivity in Imereti and Racha Regions”.

The aim of the study was to perform qualitative assessment of the preferential agro credit project implementation process and impact, analysis of the tendencies in farmers’ attitudes, expectations and needs in relation to the agro credit project and the development of relevant recommendations.

At the event, the results and recommendations of the study was shared with stakeholders and other interested parties. Following key issues were discussed: The project aims and procedures; Awareness, expectations, attitudes and needs of farmers on preferential agro credit project; Tools for promoting agro insurance; Need for recruitment of agricultural experts in banks.

The government representatives stated that the implementation of the presented recommendations will be evaluated. Participants underlined the importance of such format for formation and development of permanent public dialogue.

The presentation was attended by the Attaché on Agriculture of the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia Ms. Christina Casella, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Chkheidze, Deputy Head of Agricultural Projects’ Management Agency Mr. Mamuka Kvaratskhelia, Head of the Agricultural Cooperatives Development Agency Mr. Giorgi Misheladze. Representatives of ENPARD consortia members, banks, State Audit Office and other governmental and non-governmental sectors were among the guests.

Preferential Agro Credit Project has been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia in 2013. The project is implemented by the Agricultural Projects Management Agency. The purpose of the project is to improve the processes of primary agricultural production, processing, storage and sale by providing the legal and natural entities with cheap, long-term and preferential funds.

The assessment of the preferential agro credit project was carries out with the support of the European Union’s ENPARD programme. Implemented since 2013, the main goal of the ENPARD programme is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia through support to rural development and agriculture.

More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge