US gov't launches the $14.5mln project to develop livestock in Georgia

The US Department of Agriculture, in partnering with nonprofit organisation Land O'Lakes International Development, Michigan State University and Georgian Farmers Association has launched a new, 14.5 million USD project to support farmers to improve food safety standards and quality along with Georgia's diary and beef sectors.

A 5-year, Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) project, was officially launched on May 28, during an event attended by US diplomats, top Georgian officials, members of the Georgian Farmers Association and guests.

Chairwoman of the Georgian Farmers Association Nino Zambakhidze stated that launching of the project "is very timely and important for Georgian farmers."

She said that Georgia's diary and beef sectors are of low productivity; farmers have irregular access to markets, inappropriate animal feeding techniques, lack of qualified veterinarians, and many other challenges.

"It is important to support the intensive farms based on the new technologies, enabling farmers to increase the quality of local products, become relevant to international standards and boost competitiveness," Chairwoman of the Georgian Farmers Association Nino Zambakhidze said.

The goals of Georgia SQIL project are to increase agricultural productivity and expand trade among more than 54,000 direct program participants, primarily in the East-West Highway Corridor.

The project will incorporate technical assistance from Land O'Lakes International Development, leveraging the organization's innovative, demand-driven approach to improving food safety and quality along Georgia's dairy and beef value chains from farm to fork.

By reducing losses and boosting productivity, the project aims to help Georgian farmers access additional markets for dairy and beef products.

Land O'Lakes International Development is a nonprofit organisation, helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, assisting businesses to create jobs and linking farmers to markets.

The Georgian Farmers' Association was founded in 2012 and is a non-commercial, non-for-profit legal entity.

Currently, the organization unites about 4,000 farmers across Georgia. The Association acts as a facilitator between the government and farmers. GFA actions and initiatives are implemented in line with its mandate adopted by its members.

Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. The university was founded as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, one of the country's first institutions of higher education to teach scientific agriculture.