“Enhancing small 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 “Imeruli”.

“I first learned about the grant competition from my friend. Then I found out additional information about terms of the contest from the People In Needs regional office and decided to participate in the project. Our cooperative composted of farmers, milk processing technologists and marketing specialists. Now we are processing milk using modern technologies and techniques. Our business employs 5 people, including 2 women.

We attended several trainings during the grant competition. Trainings and consultations conducted by AYEG was very useful. We are still cooperating with AYEG, from time to time we ask them variety or questions and consults.”

I would like to advice the groups which are going to participate in the competition to use field experts’ consultations and do their financial calculations in help of AYEGs experts. 

Malkhaz Khachapuridze

Cooperative Director