Georgian sweet corn goes on sale at European supermarket chain
Baku, Azerbaijan, October 18
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
Sweet corn grown in the Georgian region of Kakheti is now on sale in one of the European supermarket chains, Trend reports via the European Union (EU).
This became possible thanks to support from large scale joint EU-FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) project aiming at increasing Georgian farmer productivity and income through modern methods and connecting producers with retailers.
Two smallholder farmers from Lagodekhi municipality David and Valentina Kapanadze received assistance under the EU-funded European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) to establish a sweet corn demo plot utilizing modern European standards and practices.
The project then helped them establish links with large scale European retailer Carrefour, which committed to regularly purchase the premium quality sweet corn from Kapanadze family from 18 October onward.
“Support to agriculture to improve the livelihoods of farmers and those living in rural areas remain key priorities for the EU in Georgia under our ENPARD programme,“ said Carl Hartzell, the EU Ambassador to Georgia.
As part of this work, together with FAO, we are working with local farmers like Dato and Valentina to spread modern farming practices and to create direct business relationships between farmers and retailers, he said.
According to the EU, this early success story shows that there are viable economic opportunities for smallholder farmers in Georgia with high-quality products.
“This is just the beginning, as we hope to stimulate more relationships like this one, promoting further the brand Made in Georgia for which there is growing consumer demand,” added Hartzell.
---
Follow the author on twitter: @Mila61979356
