1. General Information Georgia( საქართველო ) Population (2013): 4,5 Million Population living in Rural Areas: 49 % Official Language: Georgian ( ქართული ) Capital: Tbilisi Share of Agriculture in Total GDP: 8.9 % GDP per capita - 7 176 $ Total country Area – 69 700 km 2 Mountain Areas – 60%

2. Agricultural Cooperatives Development Agency(ACDA) Organizational structure Agency Administrative Service Registration Service Targeted projects Service Monitoring Service www.acda.gov.ge

3. Agency's core responsibilities  Granting and terminating the status of an agricultural cooperative;  Government support measures for agricultural cooperatives;  Providing consultation to agricultural cooperatives;  Supporting the training and re-training of staff for agricultural cooperatives, as well as upgrading professional skills for the management staff of agricultural cooperatives;  Monitoring the activities of agricultural cooperatives;

4. Registered Agricultural Cooperatives  Up to now 451 registered cooperatives;  Total number of cooperatives` shareholders- 4253 (average number 6-7 for each one);  Female shareholders represent 21% of total amount;  Total generated capital through agricultural cooperatives- 9030416.5 GEL;  Total generated land through agricultural cooperatives- 48 173.4803 Hectares;

5. Program goals in 2015-2017  Supporting cooperatives in implementing modern technology and methodology through periodic trainings;  Adoption of a Entire Electronic Controlling System;  Supporting Cooperatives in Product exhibition and sales organization;  Different kind of programs in order to foster women and vulnerable groups participation through cooperatives;  Supporting standardization (Global GAP, ISO, HACCP, etc.);

6. Partnership  FAO Georgia  ENPARD (EU) Consortium members : Joint coordinating and informational meetings;  LEPL National Agency of Public Registry and Notary Chamber of Georgia: simplification of cooperatives registration process;  Georgian Technical University: partnership through memorandum framework, ensuring ensuring the involvement of young specialists;  MEQANIZATORI LLC : preferential services to agricultural cooperatives on the basis of signed memorandum framework On July 5, 2014;

7. Main Challenges  Increasing agricultural products quality and quantity per hectare;  Providing product traceability;  Implementing modern technology productions lines;  Supporting integral value chain;  Increase realization of agro products on domestic and foreign markets;  Reduce poverty in rural areas;  Women`s and vulnerable groups` involvement in cooperation processes;

8. Thank you!