Paweł Herczyński: I greatly appreciate Georgia's wonderful food products and sincerely hope that we will see more of them on store shelves across European Union countries

"I greatly appreciate Georgia's wonderful food products and sincerely hope that we will see more of them on store shelves across European Union countries — our message to Georgia's farmers is clear: the European Union is by your side!" — European Union Ambassador Pawel Herczynski stated at the closing event of Phase IV of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD).

As Herczynski noted during his welcoming remarks, the European Union has been supporting Georgian farmers and rural communities for over 30 years.

According to the European diplomat's assessment, the ENPARD project was the best example of effective work. Herczynski stated that across the four phases of the ENPARD program, more than 230 million euros were invested in Georgia, which helped farmers create jobs and new opportunities in rural areas, while bringing Georgia's food safety system closer to EU standards—and doing so in a way that allowed Georgian products to fully retain their distinctive characteristics.

"The results of our ENPARD program are visible. Over the past thirteen years, through training, targeted financial support, and infrastructure improvements, the rural poverty rate decreased from 33% in 2013 to 15% by 2024. Exports of food and agricultural products increased by 90%. Behind every number is a farm, a family, and a village that took a step forward on the path of development.

ENPARD was never just an EU program. It supported Georgia's policies and reforms, based on one fundamental principle—the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and our vision for agriculture, food, and fisheries.

Our message to Georgia's farmers is clear: the European Union is by your side.

You do not need to make a choice between family farms and competitiveness. Large agribusiness has its place, as confirmed by the agricultural food and beverage exhibition. Family farms have their place as well. During difficult periods, they are resilient. They create jobs, preserve life and values in rural areas, and supply cities with food. Modern, sustainable agriculture must be based on quality, local identity, and strong rural communities," Paweł Herczyński stated.

According to the EU Ambassador, EU standards are of decisive importance in terms of food safety.

"Trust is based on simple principles: producers are responsible for what they sell. The product's path from farm to table can be traced, and control mechanisms are clear and fair. These principles, first and foremost, protect Georgian families, and then pave the way for exports—including, hopefully, to the EU market.

Women hold a special place in this process. Women living in rural areas produce, prepare, and sell food, though often outside the formal market. The introduction of food safety norms and quality labeling systems, as well as clear rules, will allow them to enter this market and earn a decent income. The economic empowerment of women in Georgia remains one of the EU's main goals. Their leadership helps preserve rural communities," Pawel Herczynski stated.

According to the diplomat, the ENPARD program is concluding successfully, though its outcomes—reforms, institutions, and developed skills—remain in force. Herczynski expressed hope that all of this will be reflected in Georgia's legislation and strategies in the future.

"The European Union's support and commitment do not end with the completion of ENPARD. We will continue investing in people living in rural areas. Within the framework of our new initiative—'EU with You'—more than 13 million euros out of a total sum of 38 million (whose allocation was announced in October) will go toward agriculture over the next three years. This assistance builds on the experience gained under ENPARD and lays the foundation for introducing standards that meet EU requirements.

Our goals remain unchanged: creating better living conditions for rural communities; creating opportunities for women and young farmers; competitive and sustainable agriculture; and protected natural resources.

We also support irrigation-based agriculture. In the near future, 11,000 families living in the area of the 'Zemo Samgori' irrigation system will benefit from it. This initiative, in accordance with the Law 'On Water' adopted in Georgia in 2023, represents an example of the rational use of water.

Across Georgia, people are utilizing the opportunities offered by the European Union to improve their lives and strengthen their communities. The EU is with you—this is our path toward strong rural communities and a sustainable food system," the EU Ambassador stated.