EU Ambassador to Georgia visits Kakheti to highlight EU support to the region
On June 25-26, 2020 Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia visited Kakheti to highlight EU support to the region in the field of economic development, human rights, civil society, environment, energy efficiency, agriculture, and more.
Starting road trip in wonderful Kakheti for two days of visiting projects, meet people and get inspired! One of EU’s focus regions for coming years. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/B6Sgt21Qz2
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 25, 2020
The first stop was at the House of Hearing and Speech, a centre assisting hearing and speech impaired youth in Telavi. It was established with a grant from the EU supported ASB project: “Equal opportunities for persons with disabilities- supporting social service providers in rural Georgia”.
First stop at House of Hearing and Speech. Through EU & ASB support Maia Khutsishvili opened this centre to assist children w/ hearing disabilities. Example of how to empower people to make real impact.
Great job Maia! pic.twitter.com/fcPCXKdPMA— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 25, 2020
As a part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week Ambassador Hartzell visited two projects which have won EU regional awards for energy efficiency: the site of ongoing energy – efficient rehabilitation of Ikalto kindergarten under the Covenant of Mayors Project with Telavi municipality, and Shilda Winery, which has adopted energy efficient production equipment with EU support.
Ikalo’s renovated kindergarten will be fully heated for 60% of the current cost + run on locally sourced biofuel.
Joint project w/ Telavi municipality & EEC, expected to be done in October, will be a showcase of how sustainable energy makes a difference! pic.twitter.com/3UXfmDQyMs— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 25, 2020
Visit to 2019 EU prize winner Shilda winery – w/ EU assistance they purchased efficient machinery, reducing emissions and costs by 65,000 EUR/year. Energy efficiency works!
Find out more about this support: https://t.co/eEvThGsLHx pic.twitter.com/MW10nKxyve
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
Ambassador Hartzell also met with representatives of local Civil Society Organisations
Many thanks to Kakheti Civil Society yesterday for valuable exchanges on disinformation, political polarisation & funding challenges.
We continue counting on your hard work and partnership! pic.twitter.com/4quwDjURxs— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
During his two-day visit to Kakheti, Ambassador also visited economic development projects. In Kvareli he visited two enterprises which have received advice through EU/EBRD business programmes:
- Aroma Product – an export-oriented company specialising in processed fruits and vegetables, juices in Georgia selling its products in 40 countries across the world
Getting a boost from the juice!
Georgia’s Natural ticks all the boxes:
✅Georgia as brand name
✅Exports to 40 countries
✅Bio and circular use products
A recipe for success for Georgian SMEs.
Supported via our business advice progs w/ @EBRD. pic.twitter.com/pLIF3jn6c3— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
- Kvarlis Baga – a dairy farm in Kvareli which benefited from integrating sound financial management practices and assistance of agronomy specialists in the farm
Nothing beats fresh milk!
Kvarlis Baga is the largest industrial dairy farm in Georgia. Expert advice through EU+EBRD helped them grow a modern, open and clean facility in Kvareli with 1,800 cows. pic.twitter.com/QkSP1VvtwQ— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
In Tameriani, Ambassador Hartzell visited agriculture demonstration plots run by an EU programme implemented by FAO. The project demonstrates to local farmers the benefits of modern farming approaches, supports local farmers in finding markets for their goods, and trains young agronomists through an internship programme.
Pleasure to see Dato again, whom I met in Tbilisi Carrefour selling his sweetcorn. EU+@FAO support helped form that relationship, and now Dato’s neighbours are also suppliers.
Also met Meri, a talented young agronimist educated through our programme. pic.twitter.com/zZQRdFX347— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
EU/FAO demonstration plots in Tamariani are showing & convincing local farmers like Ludmilla that modern farming techniques can quadruple yields, help overcome water shortages & assist in maximising Georgia’s agricultural potential. pic.twitter.com/32MlN090f5
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020
The final stop was the Lagodeheki National Park.
Last stop – Lagodekhi National Park! EU has supported management of this beautiful area. Honored to plant three trees as symbol of our cooperation and friendship.
Didi Madloba Kakheti for a wonderful visit! pic.twitter.com/b8saIvjsnq
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) June 26, 2020