European Union

The European Union provides support to rural development and agriculture in Georgia throughENPARD, the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Implemented since 2013, the main goal of the ENPARD programme is to reduce rural poverty. Programme assistance is provided to the government and alsoto NGOs working directly with communities on the ground.

Through the ENPARD programme, the European Union aims to reach three goals:

·        To build capacity and support government institutions in the reform of the agriculture and rural development sector;

·        To improve employment and living conditions of rural populationsbystrengtheningfarmers’ cooperationskills and access to resources;

·        To promotediversified social and economic opportunities in rural areas,particularly for women and youth, in due respect to the environment and the cultural heritage.

The total budget for ENPARD in Georgia, covering the period of 2013-2022 is €179.5 million (I Phase – € 52 million, 2014-2017; II Phase – € 50 million, 2016-2019; III Phase – € 77.5 million, 2018-2022).