“Enhancing mall farmer’s cooperatives’ productivity in Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi region", a project funded by ENPARD-Georgia, projects’ one of the implementing partner is Association of Young Economists of Georgia, with the duration of 01.02.2014-31.06.2017. The overall objective of the project is the reduction of rural poverty in Imereti and Racha. The project action targets semi-commercial small farmers as well as agribusiness and rural entrepreneurs in order to increase their productivity and income as members of business-oriented groups such as cooperatives and associations. Within the project, 23 agricultural cooperatives are established and funded, among them was cooperative “Mshvildi+”

“I first learned about the project at the informational meeting held in my village. After that we decided to unite our farms and create cooperative. After cooperation we started produce different vine species. Now, five members are engaged in cooperative activities, seasonally we hire extra 2 -3 people. In 2016, we sold 2000 vine plants and for the next year we already have a 1000 plants order.

Participation in the project significantly changed our life for the better. Now we are having a tractor so the work becomes easier and it allows us to produce more vine plants. I would like to recommend future cooperatives, if they want to be successful, start their business in the field they know best, work hard and do their work with love.