“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 “Sargo”.

I first learned about the project from the representatives of Pin and Elkana. They held a meeting in our village about cooperation and cooperative’s benefits. I have already had an experience in milk production and decided to participate in the contest and create cooperative with other experienced people in my village. At the initial stage, we registered and developed a business plan. Also, we attended the training sessions conducted within the project.  Which was very productive and has allowed us to deepen and broaden our knowledge.

Currently our cooperative employees 12 people. Initially, we thought to produce only milk, but then we decided to produce “Matsoni” too. For future we are planning to start Curd and cheese production.

In my opinion, cooperatives and cooperation are our future. So, I would like to advise all those people who want to start agribusiness to participate in this competition and get the benefits that cooperation offers them.

Giorgi Gvelesiani

Chairman at Coop “Sargo”