EU ambassador to Georgia praises rural development achievements over decade

Pawel Herczynski, the ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, on Tuesday said the EU welcomed Georgia’s success in modernising and developing rural areas of the country over the past 10 years.

Rural development is an important area of ​​cooperation between the EU and Georgia. Sustainable and equitable rural development helps eradicate poverty and create employment opportunities for the benefit of people and the environment [...] The EU [...] continues to support Georgia in creating better opportunities in rural areas”, Herczynski said.

The ambassador made the comment at the conference Leader: European Approach to a Better Life in Rural Areas, which summarised the results of the EU-financed €234.5 million ENPARD programme in Georgia. The programme serves to introduce European models in the development of rural parts of the country, reduce poverty and build a sustainable future for the locals.

Photo: ministry of agriculture

Georgian agriculture minister Otar Shamugia, who also featured in the conference, said the national strategy for agriculture and rural development for the years 2021-2027 had a "clear plan that provides for the development of a competitive rural economy, the increase in the well-being of the population, and the provision of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources".

Representatives of the Georgian government and ENPARD partners discussed the implementation of the best economic, social and environmental practices in rural development, as well as the institutionalisation of European approaches, at the conference.

In parallel with the discussion, an exhibition of farmer-produced and agricultural products was hosted at the event.