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USAID Potato Program Completed in Georgia

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Iuri Nozadze, and the Director of the Scientific-Research Center, Levan Ujmajuridze, attended the closing ceremony of the USAID Potato Program.

As part of the innovative program, which is being implemented since 2019, with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Potato Center (CIP) introduced an innovative 3G approach to the production of seed potatoes in Georgia, which contributed to the development of the potato growing sector in the country.

,,Importantly, the program created a domestic supply chain for high-yielding, disease-resistant potatoes, focused on increasing production quantity and improving quality. With the support of USAID, farmers were given the opportunity to increase their incomes, supply to local and international markets, develop the potato sector, which is important for the economy of the region," said the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Iuri Nozadze.

"The program is being completed, but our partner, the Georgian Farmers' Association, will continue this important work. The program brought high incomes to potato farmers living in communities of different ethnic origins and migrants from different parts of Georgia. The project is one successful example of USAID's 30-year partnership with Georgia, promoting job creation and economic growth throughout the country. Farmers, the majority of whom are women, are growing improved varieties of seed potato, which is a valuable crop and, at the same time, provide the opportunity to obtain better quality crops," said USAID Acting Deputy Director of USAID Mission Lia Kaplan.

The discussion at the event touched on the future plans for the production of seed potatoes as an important factor in ensuring food safety.

In total, the program helped about 4,000 beneficiaries, and about 2,000 farmers, specialists and students participated in informative meetings.