AGRICULTURE SECTOR2012

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA

SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION

Agriculture Sector Bulletin 2012

Editors and PublishersFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in GeorgiaMinistry of Agriculture, Government of Georgia

Cover PhotoFAO Georgia

PhotographsFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in GeorgiaWorld Wide Web

Layout and ContentFAO Georgia

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of FAO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

All opinions, data and statements provided by individuals undersigning the texts in the bulletin are exclusively their own and do not reflect in any way the views of FAO and of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Georgia.

@ FAO GEORGIA 2012

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations5, Marshall Gelovani Avenue

Tbilisi, 0159, GeorgiaPhone: (+995 32) 2 453 913

5, Radiani StreetTbilisi, 0179, Georgia

Phone: (+995 32) 2 226 776; 2 227 705

Contents

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Agriculture Policies and News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Donor Support and Aid Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Theme: Food safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Trade, Agriculture and Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

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ForewordDear Colleagues,

I am honoured to present the winter 2011 Edition of the Georgia Agriculture Sector Bulletin regularly published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Delega-tion of the European Union to Georgia.

As the previous ones, the present edition features the most recent developments and trends in the field of agriculture. One of the key themes of this bulletin is food safety, which is one of the necessary conditions of the conventionally acknowledged basic human rights – protection of the human health and life.

We, in FAO, often quote an old proverb saying “we are what we eat”, which is true as our nutritional status, health, physi-cal and mental faculties depend on the food we consume. Thus, the main efforts are directed towards protection of the consumers against the risks related to food consumption and the assurance of an equal access to safe and quality food for people. People in developing countries are exposed to a reasonably wider range of potential food safety and quality risks, which in turn have an impact on the food security.

The Government of Georgia is taking further steps in the process of development of agriculture and improvement of food safety in the country. A Comprehensive Strategy and Legislative Approximation Programme in Food Safety has been elaborated, which was followed by the drafting of the Georgian Code on Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection. Through these actions, Georgia demonstrates its commitment to embark on the process of negotiations to conclude the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of FAO, to thank the Government of Georgia as well as our loyal donors for their constant support and excellent cooperation, which enables us to better serve the needs of the most vulnerable rural households in the country to rebuild their agricultural productive capacity and contribute to strengthening food security in Georgia.

Mamuka MeskhiAssistant RepresentativeThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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PolicyThe Ministry of Agriculture plans to import soya and sunflower seedsThe Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia is starting two new pro-grams to import high quality soya and sunflower seeds. Purpose of the program is to increase local production and reduce import. There is an increasing demand on crops from poultry and cattle farms and it’s necessary to increase production of crops, like sunflowers and soya, that could significantly decrease costs and therefore make local products more accessible for the popula-tion. (www.moa.gov.ge)

GeoStat conducts agricultural researchThe National Statistics Office of Georgia has started a selective field research on agriculture production during the third quarter of 2011. As a result of this survey, GeoStat will have different in-dicators for agricultural statistics: key livestock production (meat, milk, eggs) and information on numbers of domestic animals (cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry). (www.medianews.ge)

ProductionInternational tea festival in TbilisiTbilisi hosted the 6th annual international tea festival with the aim of encouraging economic development of tea production, fostering joint economic projects and supporting local small and

Agriculture Policies and News

medium tea producers. The tea festival was also focused at pro-moting high quality, environmentally clean local tea brands and coverage of internal market. Twelve tea producer companies par-ticipated in the festival, including those from Georgia and other regions of the Caucasus as well as tea importers. The festival presented unique tea types from all over Caucasus, including black, green and herbal treatment products. The event was orga-nized by Georgia Tea Producers’ Association with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Over the past year Consumption of local tea on Georgian market has increased from 5% to 20%. During 2010 Georgian tea was exported to Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belorussia, Czech Republic, Germany, UK, USA, Can-ada and India. It will soon appear on new export markets. (www.medianews.ge)

International seminar to support fish productionGeorgia hosted a seminar on sustainable use of water resources for aquaculture development with participation of Georgian and foreign farmers. Purpose of the seminar was to support fishery development by introducing modern technologies and price reg-ulation mechanisms for making fish products accessible to the users. The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was conducted by Akvaplan-Niva, a Norwegian environmental research and consulting organization. Foreign guests introduced various principles and regulations regarding the use of water

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and aquatic resources of the European Union to their Georgian counterparts. Akvaplan-Niva will further provide consultancy to Georgian farmers and fish producers on introduction and use of modern technologies. (www.maf.ge)

TradeWheat supply of GeorgiaAccording to the Wheat Association, Georgia does not have to worry about wheat shortages on local market. Wheat supply of the country is much higher than during the previous months. Up to 120 000 tonnes of wheat has been imported from the Ukraine and Kazakhstan, which is sufficient for at least three months. Ne-gotiations are being held with European countries as well as the US and additional volume of wheat could be imported if needed. However, the price of European and American wheat is higher than that from Kazakhstan and the Ukraine. Each month the population of Georgia consumes approximately 40 000 – 50 000 tonnes of wheat. (www.medianews.ge)

Wine shop at Tbilisi International AirportA new shop called “Georgian Wines” was opened in the duty-free area of the Tbilisi International Airport. It sells wines produced by Badagoni, Georgian Wine Corporation, Khvanchkara Ltd, Kin-dzmarauli Cellar, Tbilvino, Sarajishvili, Teliani Valley, Bagrationi 1882, Kakheti Traditional Wine Production Ltd., and other prod-ucts. This shop of exclusively Georgian wines was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and support from TAV Hold-ing. Such display of variety of wines at Tbilisi airport, a transit place for thousands of travellers each day, will support promotion of Georgian wines and raise the awareness of the international community.

As a result of the collaboration between the Ministry of Agricul-ture and TAV Holding, Georgian wine shops featuring a wide as-sortment of Georgian wine brands have also been opened in duty free areas of Istanbul Ataturk airport as well as Ankara and Izmir international airports. (www.moa.gov.ge)

Georgian wine awarded in Hong KongGeorgian wine has been successful at the international wine and spirits competition China-Eurasia Expo 2011, held in Hong Kong. Georgia won 2 golden, 1 silver and 13 bronze medals. Golden medals were awarded to Saperavi aged in oak by Kindzmarauli Cellar, and Chacha of Chateau Mukhrani. Kindzmarauli Cellar also received a Grand Prize. Such success provided a unique chance for introducing Georgian wine in the Asian market, since Hong Kong dictates modern trends to China market. The Nation-al Investment Agency of Georgia will ensure that winner wine brands are included in a popular iPhone application that is widely used by wine lovers while ordering drinks at restaurants.

Web-site to promote tradeThe National Investment Agency of Georgia recently introduced the new web-page www.tradewithgeorgia.com. This page pro-vides an online database of Georgian exporters and catalogue of products, and is user-friendly for foreign leaders. The system al-lows the search of products by names as well as H codes. Over-all, 401 Georgian products have already been registered on the web-site, that also allows companies to post information on their products and upload various photo materials. (www.maf.ge)

Supporting trade opportunities In Autumn Georgia hosted the exhibition-forum of Georgian alco-holic and non-alcoholic drinks “Trade with Georgia 2011 – Trade-show and B2B Forum (TWG 2011)” with the purpose of promoting Georgian products. The event was conducted with the support

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from the Georgian National Investment Agency and Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. Up to 60 local compa-nies presented their products, while over 80 foreign traders, wine experts and journalists participated in the exhibition. This event offered representatives of Georgian companies the opportunity to meet and discuss with foreign traders. It is notable that up to 43 participants came from Asian countries (China, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan), representing the largest market of the world and thus creating the need for diversification of Geor-gian wine. (www.maf.ge)

InvestmentTbilvino to receive USD 1 500 000 creditTbilvino, a Georgian wine production company is to receive USD 1 500 000 credit from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as part of a USD 3 000 000 investment program. The initiative is aimed at expanding the production capacity, enhancing product quality and food safety standards, and increasing competitive-ness of the company. IFC investment will also help the company to enhance export sales as well as quality control and manage-ment. As part of the investment, the company will arrange a pri-mary grape processing plant in Kakheti. In September 2011 Tbilvino was awarded silver and bronze med-als at a wine competition in Hong Kong, China. (www.medianews.ge)

EBRD allocates credit for agriculture developmentThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has started implementing an agriculture sector funding project, which allocates EUR 40 000 000 to four Georgian banks. VTB Bank Georgia, The Bank of Georgia, ProCredit Bank and TBC Bank will use these funds to offer credits to the agriculture sector in the country. The term of the loan is 5 years, with three-year

relief period. The project also envisages development of skills for agriculture lending and diversification of the loan portfolio for participant financial institutions. Technical assistance will be tar-geted towards reliable credit, risk management and specifics of agriculture loans. (www.boom.ge)

Japan investing in Georgian agricultureAccording to the agreement between the governments of Georgia and Japan the latter will allocate GEL 7 300 000 from its grant foundation in Georgia to support small and medium farmers of regions of Georgia with agriculture technologies. This amount is in addition to the GEL 50 000 000 assistance for mechaniza-tion support provided to Georgia by Japan since 1997 within the framework of grants assistance to farmers. The Government of Georgia is working with other donors and governments of other countries to support the implementation of new agricultural initia-tives. (www.maf.ge)

TrainingTraining for agronomists of Georgia The Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia has recently trained agron-omists from all parts of Georgia, within the framework of its state program and with the support from DVV International. Trainings were conducted with invited specialists from Germany. Up to 100 agronomists were trained until the end of December 2011 and all of them are to take up positions as deputies of Gamgebelis (appointed heads of the local government units) in their respec-tive municipalities. Trained agronomists will provide consulting to all farmers in agro-technical and agro-economic fields. They will advise on how to properly develop agricultural business focused on modern technologies, and how to organize different types of farms. (www.maf.ge)

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Donor support and aid activities

GIZ/AFC: Working on food safety and supporting the private sectorThe Private Sector Development Program in South Caucasus (PSDP SC) implemented by German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), under its Quality Infrastructure Component has sub-contracted the German consulting organization, AFC Consultants International, to implement Food Safety activities in the region. Assistance is provided through (i) support to the National Food Agency by building its capacity in food safety leg-islature implementation, inspection and monitoring; and (ii) sup-port to the private sector in upgrading produce to comply with international standards.

The Capacity Building Program is the continuation of the Na-tional Food Agency (NFA) policy with respect to the institutional development in the areas of food safety, veterinary and plant protection. It fulfils the capacity building needs in accordance with the Governmental Policy, aimed at aligning the Georgian system with the EU requirements. Based on the National Strat-egy paper of Food Safety, the NFA identified a list of topics for the training program for food inspectors and staff, enforcing the basic knowledge and skills for effective implementation of food safety requirements and regulations.

From June 2010 until the end of 2011, food inspectors and staff members of the NFA attended trainings conducted by interna-tional and local experts. The training was targeted at risk analy-sis and planning for the national food control, EU food hygiene regulations and export requirements, enforcement of food regu-lations and food recalls, food safety criteria, quality management systems, HACCP, potential hazards, inspection procedures, es-

sential aspects of processing technologies and techniques in dairy, meet processing and canned food production sectors.

During the study tour to Lithuania, NFA representatives were able to see examples and cases of developing, refining, implementing and evaluating annual and multi-annual control plans and annual monitoring plans. They also learned how to apply step-by-step approach to risk management, including preliminary steps, set-ting targets, identification and selection of management options, implementation, monitoring and analysis, based on the desired level of protection. Finally they learned how to develop effective risk communication strategies.

Together with food safety, GIZ/AFC has been actively involved in private sector development through diversification of products with plant export potential as well as quality-related problems of these products. A workshop was also conducted on food safety of plant-origin products with export potential, food safety. needs and identification of activities to be implemented by GIZ/AFC.

Three products – apples, citrus and salad – were selected for assistance and activities recommended for improving food safety of products identified. Selected associations went through pre-audit and seminar to facilitate the improvement of food safety of selected plant products, covering topics like requirements and procedures, general rules and regulations of different standards (Global G.A.P. BRC, IFS, ISO 22000:2005, integrated produc-tion). Special focus was made on Global G.A.P., presenting EU buyers potential that require Global G.A.P. or other international standards, issues hampering international trade (such as qual-ity of the product, demanded quantity, requested delivery dates

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and prices), assessment of organizational structure of the farm-ers’ associations, assessment of current state of operation and their capacity to fulfil requirements of international trading com-panies applying/requiring international standards, assessment of the current situation of the associations in the context of compli-ance/non-compliance with international standards; assessment of selected farmer’s associations capacity to fulfil international standards requirements in the future, development of recommen-dations on continuing support to farmer’s associations compliant with Global G.A.P certificate and/or other international standards requirements.

Guidelines for farmers’ associations were prepared within the framework of the project, and the action plan was elaborated to meet the requirements and procedures for reaching compliance and certification of international standards.

USAID/NEO: creating economic opportunities for GeorgiaThe USAID-funded Georgia New Economic Opportunities Ini-tiative (NEO) is a four-year program designed to improve rural incomes, reduce poverty levels, improve food security, address critical, household and agricultural water constraints in targeted communities, enable targeted internally displaced persons (IDP) communities to sustainably maintain their households, and assist communities distressed by natural or other disasters. The pro-gram is being implemented by a consortium led by Chemonics International Inc. with support from International Relief and De-velopment (IRD) and National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago.

The project consists of four components: (1) local economic de-velopment planning; (2) rural economic development; (3) assis-tance in strengthening highly vulnerable households and individ-

uals, and (4) promotion of the sustainability of IDP houses being rehabilitated with the support of the government of the United States.

USAID/NEO’s approach is to work hand-in-hand with commu-nities to develop market-based economic planning tools. These tools will engage a broad stakeholder base and guide USAID/NEO’s support of community priorities in infrastructure develop-ment, rural economic growth, food security, and livelihoods im-provement.

In close cooperation with other stakeholders, USAID/NEO will support communities and municipalities to identify and imple-ment infrastructure projects with the aim of increasing growth, employment and household income. In particular, it will provide grants, training, and technical assistance, and will also facilitate attraction of investments in and develop market linkages for community-identified agriculture and non-agriculture initiatives. USAID/NEO will also assist in the sustainable management of IDP housing and it will also provide assistance to areas affected by natural or man-made disasters.

USAID/NEO is aiming at reaching at least 70, 000 vulnerable households in 10 selected municipalities to provide sustainable poverty reduction, improved living standards for vulnerable pop-ulations, and increased government participation in addressing local community needs. The program is being implemented in Gori, Khashuri and Kareli municipalities in Shida Kartli region, Dusheti and Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) municipalities in Mtskheta Mtianeti region, Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha municipalities in Same-grelo-Zemo Svaneti region, and Oni, Tsageri and Lentekhi mu-nicipalities in Racha-Lechkhumi region.

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SIDA: building capacity and providing technical support to the National Food Agency

The Government of Georgia invited the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to support the National Food Agency (NFA), a newly-restructured unit under the Ministry of Agriculture, through twinning cooperation initiatives with rel-evant Swedish organisations.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture (SBA) and, at a later stage, also the Swedish National Food Administration (SNFA) had been invited to identify opportunities for implementing a 2 to 3 year program with the NFA. The purpose was to assist the NFA to reach the required competence to meet the EU standard food safety requirements and enter a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). As a result, in liaison with the NFA the SBA and SNFA jointly elaborated the project entitled “Ca-pacity building and technical support to Georgia National Food Agency”.

The overall objective of the project is to create a conducive en-vironment for the establishment and sustainability of a solid food safety system in Georgia, which is in line with the EU and inter-national standards. The objective is also to strengthen the NFA’s administrative capacities, thus ensuring a dynamic market de-velopment. Safety and security of the food supply is achieved by means of efficient inspection systems, veterinary services and methods for responding quickly to food safety/security related emergencies.

The project is divided into a series of Work Packages (WP), each consisting of actions contributing to a set development objective. More specifically, Work Packages will focus on implementation

of laws and regulations in the food-chain, public administration and management, veterinary services, systematic control and in-spection in food-chain, civil emergency preparedness.

With an overall budget of 29 900 000 Swedish Krona and dura-tion until 2014, the project will be implemented in close coopera-tion with the EU supported Comprehensive Institutional Develop-ment programme that, among other institutions, also targets NFA and other projects in the same sector.

WV: Creating food security for IDPs World Vision Georgia continues to work closely with IDPs through the World Food Program (WFP) funded project, entitled Food Security for IDPs in Shida Kartli. The project targets the IDP farmers residing in the newly constructed settlements of Shida Kartli region and is aimed at providing knowledge and access to modern agricultural techniques for increased food security and productivity of IDP families in Georgia. In particular, the project focuses on the creation of a strong and competitive rural produc-tion, processing and marketing sector. The project objectives and targets have been defined based on the actual needs and inter-ests of the targeted groups, identified through close interactions and discussions with the the IDP communities.

Some of the more specific outputs of the project include the es-tablishment of greenhouses for tomato and cucumber cultiva-tion in Shavshvebi and Berbuki settlements, vertical farming in Sakasheti settlement, service centres (for hand operated trac-tors, seeding machinery, grinding apparatus and other) in Khur-valeti and Shavshvebi settlements, and provision of training in harvesting, promising varieties of crops, value chain and busi-ness plan writing. The total budget of the project is USD 204 611.

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ACF: Demonstration and veterinary assistance to IDPs With the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and in cooperation with United States De-partment of Agriculture (USDA)/Georgian Institute of Public Af-fairs (GIPA) Rural Development Program, in 2011 ACF (Action Contre la Faim) facilitated the creation of the “Veterinarian As-sociation of Samegrelo Region”. The overall mission of the as-sociation is to improve both animal and human health, as well as the veterinary medical profession. The Association aims to help farmers to reduce the economic losses of livestock and poultry, as well as to protect the rural agricultural community from infec-tions and diseases.

ACF assisted in the establishment of the Veterinary Clinic through the renovation of their building as well as the provision of equipment for their laboratory and operating room, and also provided surgical instruments for field operations. Furthermore, ACF requested the inclusion of IDP farmers into the association, in order to ensure their access to cheaper services.

The association has the capacity to provide a full range of servic-es for farmers and operates a the veterinary clinic. Members of the associations aim to promote a technological map of vaccina-tion in rural communities in order to monitor and control diseases outbreak. In addition, the association has started cooperating with the Bank of Georgia as promoters of agro loans.

ACF is also establishing demo plots to improve the adoption of appropriate technology for a sustainable agriculture. This in-volves the collaboration among extension agents and farmers to develop locally acceptable farming practices and accelerate their adoption. The organisation supports small scale research and

technology testing in order to help farmers manage the risk of utilizing new technologies and breeds.

A number of different demo plots have been established by ACF: for Brama chicken breeding; Flemish and French giant rab-bit breeding; fodder improvement for cattle breeding; and new cabbage types for kitchen gardening. In e kitchen garden demo plots, volunteer farmers are currently cultivating five breeds of cabbage (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Chinese and red cabbage). These cabbages are planted in corn fields after the corn harvest, thus allowing two harvests from the same plot. ACF is further organizing exchange visits to demo plots for farm-ers in the regions, providing in depth training on new breeds and technologies, and encouraging the establishment of linkages be-tween suppliers and farmers.

UNHCR: Support and employment for IDPsThe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been implementing the project entitled New Employment Opportuni-ties in Shida Kartli with the support of the USD Department of State and in collaboration with the Institute for Regional Devel-opment-Shida Kartli (IRD-SK).

Through the project, a chicken farm has been constructed in a remote building located near the Berbuki IDP settlement in Shida Kartli. The community-based organization “Association Kheltu-bani 2010” composed by 20 IDP families was established with the purpose of running the farm. The Kheltubani Chicken farm started operating in January 2011 and now counts 3,000 chick-ens, with the capacity to expand to 6,500 heads. The first round of chickens was sold out in February 2011 at 6 GEL per kilo, generating an overall income of GEL 29 480.

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The farm employs 15 people and a professional veterinarian who ensures the application of correct standards and procedures. Chicken feed is purchased from the neighbouring Berbuki IDP settlement, thus supporting the income generation of about 22 IDP families residing in that settlement.

For sustainability purposes, the members of the “Association Kheltubani 2010” have been trained in effective management techniques, including financial management, marketing, organi-zational development, fundraising, and other business-related topics. This enables the members of the association to run the farm successfully on a long-term basis, generate income and re-invest into the farm.

Within the framework of the same project, a brand new 3,000 m2 greenhouse has started operating in Mejvriskhevi village, with a growing capacity of 7,200 seedlings simultaneously, and equipped with modern heating and drip irrigation systems as well as ventilation. Project implementation started in October 2010, the seeds were sown for the first time in the newly built green-house in February, 2011 and the first cucumber crop was har-vested in April 2011.

The greenhouse employs 15 residents of the nearby Mejvriskhevi and Zerti villages, ensuring a monthly income of GEL 200 (around USD 120) per person, and a professional agronomist.

The project helped to establish the community-based organiza-tion “Agro Vita”, composed by 45 IDP families. The organization members were trained in growing and marketing healthy and quality products. It is envisaged that each of the 7 200 plants will produce 3 to 4 kilograms of cucumbers. Considering the average

market price of GEL 1-2 per kilo, the greenhouse Agro Vita will generate an overall income of GEL 43 200 per season (i.e. every three months).

Furthermore, within the framework of the project, 225 000 tomato seedlings will be distributed free of charge to 1 500 families living in Mereti, Khurvaleti and Pkhvenisi villages.

Under the UNHCR initiative and success of the greenhouse project, the new project component of “Support of confidence building measures through livelihood assistance” was added to the current project implemented by IRD-SK. Through this new project intervention, 500 000 tomato seedlings will be distributed to 2 450 families in Mejvriskhevi and Zerti villages and Sakasheti settlement in the area adjacent to the South Ossetia Administra-tive Border Line.

CARE: Supporting agriculture to fight povertyAgriculture remains at the heart of CARE’s work in Georgia as it provides a critical source of livelihood to rural population and an opportunity to hundreds of thousands of rural poor to move out of poverty. Increasing access to machinery, consultation, farmer-to-farmer learning initiatives, building and repairing related infra-structure have been highlights of CARE’s initiatives in 2011.

CARE matches business trainings with provision of agricultural machinery to improve agricultural produce of economically vul-nerable communities and increase farmers’ incomes. CARE has delivered tractors and associated agricultural appliances to joint farmer groups composed of farmers from the settlements of dis-placed population and their host communities in Shida Kartli and Kvemo Kartli. Presently, there are eight active agricultural ser-

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jority of demonstration farmers are now reporting an average 25 percent increase in revenues and net assets. An additional 1 000 farmers have visited these demonstration plots in 2011, helping them exchange knowledge.

On-the-field consultations, various trainings and cross-visits were an opportunity for an additional 1 000 farmers to learn about in-novations in fruit and vegetable farming, artificial insemination to encourage the uptake of new technologies and increase agricul-tural produce.

In terms of knowledge and expertise, CARE provides advice on how to treat diseased crops or sick animals. CARE is co-funding pharmacies, agriculture input shops, advisory centres and indi-vidual consultations. Two new vet points have been established in Likheti and Nikortsminda communities in the Racha-Lechkhu-mi region on top of the six previously established in the region, which have provided assistance to over 4,500 farmers and de-livered on-the-field services to more than 1 500 farmers locally.

A community resource centre continues functioning in Tsageri which accommodates an agricultural input shop and also serves as a local hub for assistance on new agricultural technologies. The shop aims to increase in this remote region farmers’ access to fertilizers and other resources needed for healthy and abun-dant harvests and ensure the sustainability of the resource cen-tre after project lifetime. Over 600 people have benefitted from the consultancy services of the resource centre so far.

The majority of Georgian farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, which limits productivity and increases the risk of crop failure. Only 46 percent of land in Georgia is irrigated. CARE is working to repair irrigation channels to address poor agricultural perfor-

vice groups operating within Skra, Akhalsopheli, Berbuki, Khur-valeti, Sakasheti, Shavshvebi, Shaumiani and Koda IDP settle-ments and adjacent villages. Since their inception, the groups have generated up to USD 75 000 revenue in total, benefitting 4,000 IDPs and other local farmers who used the machinery ser-vices. The previous year CARE granted agricultural machinery worth GEL 1 070 000 to 27 famer groups with funding from vari-ous donors.

CARE is working to increase the access of farmers to market by strengthening agriculture value chains. This is achieved by forming agricultural consolidation centres together with private business sector, staging regional agriculture trade shows to link farmers with stable customers, organizing cross-border study tours in the South Caucasus region to help farmers find new mar-kets, providing trainings and technical assistance for farmers to develop their marketing skills etc.

Five consolidation centres set up in Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe Javakheti in the previous years continue functioning, directly benefitting over 800 farmers in 2011. Around 90 percent of the affected farmers have reported an average 20 percent rise in their incomes and 85 percent of farmers report increase in their livelihood security as a result of cooperation with the consolida-tion centres.

CARE continues arranging demonstration plots which show best practices of productive farming with a trickledown effect for com-munities. Over 30 new on-farm demonstration plots have been set up in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region to show-case new technologies, seed varieties, and animal and poultry breeds, while agricultural extension workers provided support to over 400 demonstration farms established in recent years. A ma-

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mance caused by water shortage and improve farming yields. Six more irrigation channels have been built or restored in 2011. Three irrigation channels are aimed at benefitting the displaced population in Shida Kartli region, in particular in Skra, Karal-eti and Berbuki villages and three more will support the farm-ers in Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, in Arali, Karataghla, Jinisi villages. A total of 4 000 households will benefit from the new irrigation projects implemented this year.

In all regions, with rising land and water scarcity, the future of agriculture is fundamentally dependent on better management of natural resources. Last year CARE joined a consortium of partners to improve the lives of people in Georgia by using and managing natural resources more sustainably in the Rioni and Alazani-lori river basins. The program provides technical assis-tance to local and national governments and also establishes EcoClubs designed to sensitize the youth to care for the planet and to empower the younger generations - by developing their team-building and networking skills – to protect Georgia’s natural environment.

CARE’s work in South Caucasus has been supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation, BP and its co-venturers in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) - South Caucasian Pipeline (SCP) and Georgian Pipeline Companies (GPC), the European Union, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

CNFA: Working step-by-step with farmers on greenhouse developmentCNFA Farmer-to-Farmer (FTF) Program conducted a workshop on pest management for greenhouse vegetable growers. The

presentation was developed around Integrated Pest Manage-ment (IPM) for greenhouse vegetable production, as outlined in the Scope of Work of the host company, Zana Eco LLC. During the workshop, visits were made to three commercial greenhouse vegetable producers, agricultural crop suppliers and greenhouse crop consultants, and the work was conducted with the host company to determine and understand their problems and cur-rent needs. All growers appeared to have similar problems so, the presentation was developed to further describe the problems and offer suggestions relative to their causes and corrections. Instead of offering mere recipes, the focus was made that the growers understand causes behind the problems and be ready to make corrections. Topics such as growing media, nutrition, drainage, irrigation systems, climate control, insect and disease identification as well as chemical/biological control were included in the training. The primary message was the introduction of inte-grated approaches to production techniques and systems while at the same time improving crop yield and quality.

The higher than expected attendance at the workshop indicated that growers were very interested in understanding and conduct-ing modern production approaches. The host company, Zana Eco LLC indicated that they will make changes in their drain-age, cooling, heating, and climate control systems as well as begin production of both cucumber and tomatoes in artificial me-dia filled bags. Another company, Hora LLC, currently produc-ing tomatoes and ornamental plants, has committed to improve their heating/cooling and total climate control system. They now understand the importance of adequate ventilation and proper temperature range for maximum production since this has been a major problem for them. Growers now also understand the ad-vantages of an open hydroponics system particularly as it relates to disease management, and are planning to make several major

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changes in their production. Many growers now have connec-tions with local suppliers of agricultural products. Products such as peat, perlite, zeolite as well as many pieces of equipment and tool are now easily and locally available to the industry.

On top of the workshops, FTF project brings volunteers to work with individual greenhouse owners. For example, a seasoned farmer from the US visited Menji Ltd., greenhouse vegetable producer that was recently granted sole access to the local hot spring for the purposes of irrigating and heating its greenhouses. During his three-week stay in Georgia Mr David Dumaresq, the volunteer farmer, worked with Menji Ltd. farmers and helped to create a new water management plan and a business develop-ment strategy. He also participated in a roundtable discussion or-ganized by CNFA’s USAID-funded Economic Prosperity Initiative (EPI), sharing his expertise with a large group of Georgian green-house producers. He also conducted a seminar for students on topics like greenhouse management, crop production, produc-tion planning and marketing strategies.

FAO: Training professionals and surveying Georgia’s poten-tial for agricultureThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Georgia continues to work on different aspects of Geor-gian agriculture and to provide technical assistance at different levels.

Recently, FAO conducted a study to analyze possible investment potential and associated risks in the marine fishery sector and to raise awareness about this sector among banks. It revealed that Georgia has an extraordinary valuable resource of high quality Anchovy close to landings in Poti. However, the quota for ancho-vy catching is not yet fully used, partly due to the situation that the major part of the Georgian fishing fleet is not modernized. A

significant part of the marine resource is caught by Turkish ves-sels hired by the Georgian companies holding licenses to fish anchovy. Most of the fresh anchovy and processed fish meal is then exported to Turkey, which has better marketing opportuni-ties, in particular to the EU.

In order to build capacity of agriculture professionals, FAO sup-ports three staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture of Geor-gia as well as one graduate student from the Agrarian University of Georgia in participating to a fully accredited, online course on food security assessment and action. The course is an exten-sion of the FAO’s Distance Learning Courses developed under the Food Security Information for Decision-Making Programme, funded by the European Commission. It is offered by the Univer-sitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) Department of Food Systems, Culture and Society. It is taught in the UOC’s Virtual Campus by an international team of experts with extensive field experi-ence. The course is aimed at building skills and competencies of nationals from the transition countries as part of FAO’s mandate in capacity development, and provides students with not only a strong and holistic understanding of food security but also the skills to assess and analyze food security projects and the tools to put those skills into action. The course reviews the concepts and tools used in food security analysis and consider food se-curity in its relationship to vulnerability, hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

In December 2011, within the framework of Emergency assis-tance for the control of African swine fever project, laboratory training was conducted in the Agrarian University of Georgia on laboratory diagnostics of African Swine Fever (ASF) via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and Immunofluores-cence Methods.Trainers were invited from Bologna and Perugia Veterinary Medicine Institutes (V. Guberti, D. Rutili), while partici-

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pants were teachers from the research laboratory, veterinarians and students of the Veterinary Faculty of the Agrarian University of Georgia.

FAO also conducted series of trainings on agricultural biotech-nologies and biosafety, basic principles and concepts within the framework of Capacity Building in Agricultural Biotechnologies and Biosafety Republic of Armenia, Georgia and Republic of Mol-dova project. These trainings were conducted for parties directly involved in agricultural biotechnologies and biosafety (regula-tions, risk assessment, communication) –universities, extension research institutes, customs inspectorates, plant protection in-spectorates, veterinarian institutions, governmental officials from the MoA, MoE and NFA as well as farmers, farmer organizations, agro-industry, input suppliers, relevant donors. The purpose of the trainings were to acquire knowledge and share experiences on issues related to the development and application of agri-cultural biotechnologies worldwide and in Georgia; understand development and implementation of regulatory frameworks in biosafety worldwide; develop capabilities to evaluate risks asso-

ciated with products of the modern agricultural biotechnologies and recombinant DNA plants; strengthen informal networking of the Georgian agricultural stakeholders and authorities involved in developing and implementing national biotechnology and bi-osafety policies.

On top of its regular activities FAO now chairs donor coordina-tion meeting on agriculture together with the EU and Embassy of France as co-chairs. Donor coordination process in Georgia has evolved into a complex structure where analysis, information sharing and technical evaluation are carried out at sub-secto-ral levels. The sub-groups of the donor coordination have been determined in accordance with the agricultural strategy drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia. EC chairs competitive-ness improvement through private sector development, UNDP leads capacity improvement of the institutions and stakeholders involved in agriculture, USAID/Economic Prosperity Initiative chairs development of food production chains, the World Bank heads development of rural infrastructure, while FAO takes a lead on food security efforts.

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Theme: Food safetyFood safety has become one of the major issues of interest of the government and international organizations over the past few months. Even though, at a glance, it may seem that Georgian consumers do not question origin and validity of food available in stores and markets, limited body of research suggested that con-sumers are aware of the vitality of the issue. However, consum-ers may not always be able to make safe choices due to financial considerations or lack of available information.

Georgia inherited from the Soviet Union GOST, a food safety system. Although providing some level of safety, this system was extremely bureaucratic, expensive, and prone to corruption. Ac-cording to the World Bank, GOST was an inflexible system hin-dering innovation and adaptation to the new needs of the new market economy.

As Georgia gained its independence, all systems of food safety disappeared. With this, the share of falsified, low quality products has increased. Producers often violated rules of safe production, storage and sales. Cases of food-borne diseases have also in-creased, although lack of proper reporting mechanisms do not allow for more specific data.

Such situation violated the rights of consumers and most impor-tantly, it brought irrevocable damage to the consumer market of Georgia. Introduction of inadequate forms of competition com-pletely neglecting the quality and safety aspects and focusing on low price only resulted in production of low quality and suspi-

cious products. This, in its turn, pushed towards regress instead of progress.

The law of Georgia on Food Safety and Quality adopted in 2005 has introduced a completely different approach. It is focused not only on inspection of the final product, but also on the production process and early identification and prevention. Integrated term “from the farm to the table” has been introduced which empha-sises the control of the whole process and not just the certifi-cation of the final product. It is based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, which creates control mechanisms for every stage of food processing and production, including on its distribution stage. The law had been amended several times, and experts believe, it was very much aligned with requirements of EU food regulations.

In 2009 the Government of Georgia received the European Com-mission’s assessment of Georgia’s preparedness for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). The Assess-ment identified food safety as one of the key areas that Georgia needs to address to be eligible to conclude a DCFTA. Based on the recommendations provided by the Assessment, the Govern-ment, in close cooperation with the European Commission and with the assistance of Estonian and Finnish experts, prepared and finalised a Comprehensive Strategy and Legislative Approxi-mation Programme in Food Safety (2010). Through this strat-egy Georgia declares sincere commitment to establishing a solid food safety system and to bring its legislation and institutional

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framework in line with relevant EU legislation and international standards.

In 2011 the Government of Georgia abolished the old food safety law and adopted a new Code on Food/Animal Feed Safety, Vet-erinary and Plant Protection. It reflects the goals, key principles and procedures of European food safety legislation and focuses on protection of life and health of people, safety of plants and ani-mals, meeting needs of consumers and respect for international standards. It also ensures effective functioning of state control mechanisms as well as support to free trade with food and ani-mal feed.

However, at present there are number of gaps in the new Code and the Government has one year to adopt appropriate by-laws to regulate such fields. Zurab Tskitishvili, the author of 2005 food safety law, believes that such by-laws should be adopted after extensive involvement of public. Tskitishvili says that while the new law was very much based on the old one, the law-makers have removed certain definitions of terms. For example, the law does not require for the risk assessment procedures to be based on scientific evidence, it does not make adherence to HACCP mandatory, and definitions of quality and fraud are removed along with corresponding regulative procedures. Tskitishvili also believes that creation and adoption of by-laws should take place as a result of public debate. However, unlike the old law, the new Code introduces two procedures of inspection: inspection conducted by the state unexpectedly and inspection according

to the pre-established scheme implemented by the state or ac-credited group.

The ultimate agency to carry out supervision, monitoring and state control in the food sector is the National Food Agency, a legal entity of public law operating under the Ministry of Agricul-ture of Georgia. It is responsible for ensuring protection of hy-gienic, veterinary-sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements and regulations, risk management and communication. It registers agricultural inputs, assigns categories to products, leads activi-ties to prevent and eliminate animal diseases, issues appropri-ate licenses and permits, amongst other duties. The Agency has gone through important restructuring over the past year, and the plan for the nearest future is to further refine organisational and institutional structure, staff skills, district officer, risk-analysis, co-ordination and cooperation with other institutions in the area and physical infrastructure.

The Food department of the NFA consists of departments for food of animal origin, foods of plant origin, and department for risk analysis. Together with food/animal feed inspection depart-ment it implements planned and non-planned state inspection according to the risk assessment and criteria formulate by the agency. They identify the critical and non-critical incompliance criteria and inspect agencies registered under the entrepreneur-ial registrar and pay special attention to high risk food producers, like diary and meet or baby feed producers.

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During 2011, NFA teams inspected around 400 enterprises, mostly focusing on companies that export their products to the EU and other countries. “I have personally participated in inspec-tion of several enterprises,” – says Kakha Sokhadze, Head of Unit for Foods of Plant Origin and Drinking Water of NFA. “Un-less the incompliance is critical, enterprises are given reason-able time to correct identified violations. I am happy to say that over 80% of the enterprises inspected have taken into account the advice we gave.”. However, there have been cases of critical incompliance and the enterprise operations have been stopped. “Georgia is in a good position in terms of products of plant ori-gin,” – says Matti Lampi, Food Safety Expert. “Thanks to the cur-rent seed practices in Georgia, they don’t create hazard to hu-man health. Although plant products could have some pests that could be harmful, Georgia uses the same pests as Europe does.”

However, Lampi believes there is a different situation in terms of animal products, as the key in this case is healthy animals. It is necessary to know where they are, they need to be vaccinated in cases of evident diseases, have to be treated for any diseases that could go into milk, and each territorial unit should have a veterinarian that knows about the condition of these animals. “It will be difficult to build food safety unless these basic require-ments are met. The EU is very strict in this regard and will not allow any imports on its market unless these basic things are in order” – says Lampi. According to experts, another issue is that people in Georgia do not always use best practices in animal product processing.

In spite of the challenges described above, experts believe that products of animal origin are not as hazardous for Georgian con-sumers at the moment. The reason is that the current food chain is very short – animals are eaten in the same area where they are killed, and if there is an animal disease, it is obvious on spot. “However, this value chain is getting longer, and it will be difficult to trace what is happening where. Georgia has to be ready for this. That’s why it is necessary to adopt regulations that respond to such developments” – says Lampi.

Some of the first steps the government has made to respond to the growing need for improvement of animal products is the establishment of over 40 slaughterhouses all over Georgia. NFA has also inspected these institutions and provided recommenda-tions for improvement.

NFA is extensively consulting entrepreneurs on how to best orga-nize their enterprises. These services are paid as representatives

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of NFA conduct on-spot evaluations and give advice. “Business-es are happy with our work. Our relationship is based on pro-fessionalism and provision of useful advice,” – says Sokhadze. “Almost everyone understands the benefit of our mutual collabo-ration.” To ensure compliance, NFA issues hygienic compliance certification for products both for domestic and international mar-kets. The certification is issued by the accredited laboratory.

“I can say with confidence that we have very good relations with entrepreneurs in Georgia. It’s based on professionalism and un-derstanding that this is for mutual benefit.” – Says Sokhadze. “This way we can achieve new levels of excellence.”

Within the framework of assistance projects implemented by do-nors, NFA will expand its public relations and awareness cam-

paigns. Such communication will be targeted to let the public know what’s needed and avoid frightening people. NFA currently operates a hotline where the public is able to report food-related issues and the Agency can respond as necessary.

The Agency recognizes that it is difficult to get back into borders after 10-15 years with no legal regulations. However, now that there are more resources, including competent human resourc-es, and technical assistance available from multiple donors, NFA is planning to expand its activities within the framework of the existing legislation.

“Everything is comparative. If we compare existing situation to what was in place before 2005, then we have certainly achieved significant changes.” – says Kakha Sokhadze proudly.

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Trade, agriculture and food

TradeExportsExport of products representing (a) live animals, (b) cereals (c) edible fruits and nuts, peel of citrus/melon (d) residues from food industries, animal feed, and (e) beverages, spirits and vinegar accounted for 94% of total exports, and their shares were 15%, 3%, 32%, 2%, and 42%, respectively.

ImportsImport of products representing (a) meat & edible meat offal, (b) ani-mal or vegetable fats, (c) cereals, (d) sugar and sugar confectionary, and (e) tobacco and manuf. tobacco substitutes amounted for 63% of total imports, and their shares were 11%, 7%, 21%, 15%, and 10 %, respectively.

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HC CC definition value ($us) rank share (%)

1 live animals 628,959 21

2 meat & edible meat offal 30,476,406 3 11%

3 fish & crustaceans 6,702,248 12

4 dairy, eggs, honey, & ed. products 9,034,874 10

5 products of animal origin 339,587 22

6 live trees & other plants 1,714,219 19

7 edible vegetables 3,358,976 17 1%

8 ed. fruits & nuts, peel of citrus/melons 5,014,317 15

9 coffee, tea, mate & spices 5,010,655 16

10 cereals 59,756,903 1 21%

11 milling industry products 3,334,444 18

12 oil seeds/misc. grains/med. plants/straw 665,407 20

13 lac, gums, resins, etc. 58,565 23

14 vegetable plaiting materials 2,233 24

15 animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes 20,512,191 5

16 ed. prep. of meat, fish, crustaceans, etc 6,025,048 14

17 sugars & sugar confectionery 42,399,998 2 15%

18 cocoa & cocoa preparations 10,881,882 9

19 preps. of cereals, flour, starch or milk 12,788,941 7

20 preps of vegs, fruits, nuts, etc. 6,212,432 13

21 misc. edible preparations 15,224,075 6

22 beverages, spirits & vinegar 12,197,311 8

23 residues from food industries, animal feed 6,724,682 11

24 tobacco & manuf. tobacco substitutes 28,763,192 4 10%

total 287,827,545 57%

ROCG 43%

HS CC Share (%)

HS CC 02 11%

HS CC 07 1%

HS CC 10 21%

HS CC 17 15%

HS CC 24 10%

RoCG 43%

Major Import CommodityGroup

RoCG43%

HS CC02

10%

HS CC 071%

HS CC 1021%

HS CC 1715%HS CC

2410%

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Exports by HS CC

HS CC definition value ($us) rank share (%)

1 live animals 14,142,920 3 15%

3 fish & crustaceans 47,013 17

4 dairy, eggs, honey, & ed. products 170,662 13

6 live trees & other plants 282,967 12

7 edible vegetables 108,047 15 0.1%

8 ed. fruits & nuts, peel of citrus/melons 31,381,107 2 32%

9 coffee, tea, mate & spices 1,422,774 6

10 cereals 3,151,412 4

11 milling industry products 510,115 8

12 oil seeds/misc. grains/med. plants/straw 489,365 9

13 lac, gums, resins, etc. 0 22

14 vegetable plaiting materials 2,053 21

15 animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes 346,597 11

16 ed. prep. of meat, fish, crustaceans, etc 5,450 18

17 sugars & sugar confectionery 111,692 14

18 cocoa & cocoa preparations 102,367 16

19 preps. of cereals, flour, starch or milk 4,714 19

20 preps of vegs, fruits, nuts, etc. 1,291,868 7

21 misc. edible preparations 450,949 10 0.5%

22 beverages, spirits & vinegar 40,668,762 1 42%

23 residues from food industries, animal feed 2,004,850 5

24 tobacco & manuf. tobacco substitutes 2,258 20

total 96,697,942 90%

ROCG 10%

HS CC Share (%)

HS CC 01 15%

HS CC 07 0.1%

HS CC 08 32%

HS CC 21 0.5%

HS CC 22 42%

RoCG 10%

Major Export CommodityGroup

RoCG10%

HS CC 070%

HS CC 0832%

HS CC 0115%

HS CC 2242%

HS CC 211%

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Agriculture Trade July-September 2011 ($US)

July August August Total

Imports 17,309,352 106,377,824 102,056,981 225,744,157

Exports 20,227,459 23,905,826 52,564,660 96,697,945

Prices

July 2011 prices were lower to June 2011 prices

With the exception of flour, pork and meat, prices have increased from June 2011 to July 2011

Retail Monthly Prices

Product2011 2011

July 11 vs June 11June July Aug Sep

Bread 1.57 1.57 1.55 1.53 0%

Flour 1.58 1.75 1.70 1.71 10%

Beef 11.47 11.51 11.57 11.64 0%

Pork 9.08 11.60 12.32 12.47 28%

Poultry 6.85 6.85 7.35 7.48 0%

Milk 1.69 2.02 2.15 2.22 20%

Cheese 7.81 5.67 6.74 7.21 -27%

Eggs 3.17 3.06 3.07 3.06 -3%

Butter 7.55 7.85 7.82 7.88 4%

Sunflower Oil 4.16 4.12 4.18 4.21 -1%

Potato 1.30 0.85 0.91 0.94 -35%

Product2011

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov

Bread 1.49 1.61 1.63 1.63 1.62 1.57 1.57 1.55 1.53 1.51 1.49Flour 1.60 1.73 1.76 1.82 1.83 1.81 1.75 1.70 1.71 1.73 1.72Beef 8.71 9.81 10.33 10.93 11.33 11.47 11.51 11.57 11.64 11.43 11.36Pork 9.15 9.13 9.66 10.26 10.85 11.02 11.60 12.32 12.47 12.40 12.44Poultry 6.40 7.11 7.46 7.39 7.76 7.06 6.85 7.35 7.48 7.54 6.88Milk 1.71 1.77 1.62 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.02 2.15 2.22 2.25 2.32Cheese 8.26 7.75 7.29 6.79 5.97 5.52 5.67 6.74 7.21 7.26 7.72Eggs 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.14 3.07 3.08 3.06 3.07 3.06 3.13 3.14Butter 7.46 7.83 8.11 8.21 8.30 8.11 7.85 7.82 7.88 7.96 7.93Sunflower Oil 4.20 4.25 4.19 4.24 4.26 4.18 4.12 4.18 4.21 4.16 4.15Potato 1.46 1.52 1.49 1.47 1.71 1.30 0.85 0.91 0.94 0.96 0.99

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Winter 2012

Agriculture Sector Bulletin 2012

Editors and PublishersFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in GeorgiaMinistry of Agriculture, Government of Georgia

Cover PhotoFAO Georgia

PhotographsFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in GeorgiaWorld Wide Web

Layout and ContentFAO Georgia

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of FAO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

All opinions, data and statements provided by individuals undersigning the texts in the bulletin are exclusively their own and do not reflect in any way the views of FAO and of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Georgia.

@ FAO GEORGIA 2012

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations5, Marshall Gelovani Avenue

Tbilisi, 0159, GeorgiaPhone: (+995 32) 2 453 913

5, Radiani StreetTbilisi, 0179, Georgia

Phone: (+995 32) 2 226 776; 2 227 705

AGRICULTURE SECTOR2012

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA

SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION