In Kutaisi, the Rural Development Agency presented the “State Agro Co-financing Program” to representatives of local authorities and self-government of the Imereti region, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

The meeting was opened with welcome remarks by the Director of the Rural Development Agency, Zurab Gozalishvili, and the State Representative in the Imereti region, Levan Zalkaliani. Member of Parliament Zviad Shalamberidze attended the meeting.

According to the Director of the Rural Development Agency, Zurab Gozalishvili, the “State Agro Co-financing Program” enables farmers and representatives of agribusiness to implement investment projects that meet modern standards, both in primary production and in product storage and processing.

“The State Agro Co-financing Program is a new opportunity for agribusiness, both in primary production and in storage-processing. It is important that the program supports not only those sectors that had previously benefited from state financing, but also includes new directions, which gives agribusiness even greater opportunities for development,” said the Director of the Rural Development Agency, Zurab Gozalishvili.

Within the framework of the program presentation, participants received detailed information about the program’s objectives, financing conditions, and main directions.

The program includes co-financing components for primary production, processing and storage enterprises, as well as facilities intended for the slaughter of food-purpose animals (slaughterhouses). Preferential agrocredit is also available within the framework of the program.

The total volume of the Agency’s co-financing within the framework of the program is determined at no more than 2 million GEL. Farmers interested in establishing dairy farms benefit from different conditions. Within the framework of the program, the Agency’s co-financing is determined at no more than 50% of the total value of the submitted project, while for cooperatives with agricultural status and for projects implemented in villages adjacent to the dividing line and in high-mountain settlements – no more than 55%.

The program will contribute to increasing local production, enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products, import substitution, and strengthening export potential.

Information meetings on the “State Agro Co-financing Program” are being held gradually in all regions of Georgia in order to provide farmers and entrepreneurs with comprehensive information about the opportunities offered by the program.