LEADER: A European Approach to Better Rural Lives

EU and partners celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges and discuss future steps in achieving sustainable, inclusive and green rural development in Georgia

Georgia’s progress towards sustainable, inclusive and green rural development was the focus of the conference ‘LEADER: A European Approach to Better Rural Lives’.

The event summarised the impressive results of the EUR234.5 million EU-funded ENPARD programme, an almost 10-year-long effort to introduce European rural development models in Georgia and ensure a sustainable future for Georgian farmers and rural communities.

“Rural development is an important cooperation area between the European Union and Georgia. Sustainable, inclusive and green rural economies push people out of poverty, create employment and set out a pathway to sustainable growth benefitting people and the environment. Georgia has achieved steady progress in the last ten years in modernising its rural development through policies and practical initiatives. The European Union salutes these achievements and remains committed to supporting new opportunities for rural communities,” said H.E. Pawel Herczynski, Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia, during his opening remarks.

“The Government of Georgia has been taking significant steps over the years to promote the development of rural areas. This critical work is in line with Georgia’s national priorities on the path to European integration. Georgia’s new National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development for 2021-2027 provides a clear roadmap towards a competitive rural economy, improved livelihoods, better environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources,” said Otar Shamugia, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

The event brought together Georgian decision-makers, civil society and the private sector, as well as representatives of municipalities, Local Action Groups and communities.

Representatives of the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia contributed to the discussion with their insights on Georgia’s rural development prospects. Government representatives and the ENPARD programme partners discussed Georgia’s efforts to adopt the best economic, social and environmental practices in rural development and institutionalise European approaches, such as LEADER. In parallel with the discussions, the conference hosted an exhibition of agricultural produce from across Georgia.