The Parliament hosted the presentation of the publication “Georgian Agriculture Sector: Transformation and Last Decade’s Development Trends”, which was opened by the Chair of the Agrarian Issues Committee, Nino Tsilosani.

“Today, we represent the unique document generated in the core of the Parliament that gathered us around. “Georgian Agriculture Sector: Transformation and Last Decade’s Development Trends” is the fundamental document – a compendium of the analyzed decade of agrarian transformation of the country, which takes roots from the day when agriculture was declared as a priority of the country and is being developed through the daily efforts of the authority, the field specialists and our international partners”, - she stated.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili delivered the welcome address.

“Agriculture plays a crucial role in our economic development and social welfare. 40% of the Georgian population still reside in rural areas and thus, agriculture and rural development are imperative. The Parliament has taken numerous steps to create a respective legal base for the development of agriculture, including in terms of the approximation with the EU”.

Over 180 legal acts have been inculcated in the Georgian legislation, which is estimated in the respective documents.

Agriculture and rural development are of utmost importance to the extent that they shall lead Georgia, along with the improved welfare, to the economic point, which is necessary for acquiring value to the EU membership of Georgia”, - said the Speaker.

The Environment Minister, Otar Shamugia and the EU Ambassador, Pawel Herczynski also addressed the attendees.

“The publication evidently demonstrates the transformation and the outcomes that have been achieved in the agrarian sector as a result of the state policy and reforms. The document excellently analyzes the processes starting from the 90s, and up from 2012, when our Government set to implement intensive reforms, declaring agriculture as a priority; the document also reflects all the measures undertaken in the legal, economic and institutional terms and scrutinizes the role of the state-supported projects and our partners in this process. This is the document that constitutes a high value for every average citizen, farmers, investors and policy-makers”, - said the Minister.

“I am delighted to attend the presentation of the report on the last decade’s transformation of the agrarian sector. We are a couple of days apart from the decision of the European Council about the EU candidacy of Georgia, which shall progress the country to the next EU membership stage. We embark on a common road. For 10 years, the EU has supported the agrarian and rural development strategy of Georgia through the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development program (ENPARD). It is the flagship for Georgia from the EU”, - added the EU Ambassador.