New Refrigeration Farm for Fruit and Vegetable Launched in the Shida Kartli
The refrigerating plant for fruit and vegetable was opened in village of Ptsa, Kareli municipality. This refrigeration farm equipped with modern standards was created within the frames of the United AgroProject, with the help of the AGROLIDERI Ltd. The financial support of the enterprise was carried out within the frames of the "Co-Financing Project for Agricultural Production Processing and Saving Enterprises". Total amount of GEL 1,212,000 was invested in the enterprise, out of which 600,000 GEL is the grant, 328,000 GEL - preferential agro-credit and the rest amount is the beneficiary's investment.
Mr. Giorgi Khanishvili, Deputy Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture together with Mr. Paata Shekeladze, Director of Agriculture Projects Management Agency and Mr. Nugzar Samkharadze, Deputy Governor of Shida Kartli Region opened the refrigeration farm and got acquainted with industrial processes. The refrigerating complex is able to store up to 720 tons of different fruits and vegetables per year. The product realization is intended for the local market. The refrigerating complex has 20 local residents permanently employed and 10 people are added seasonally. The company plans to implement the International Food Safety Standards - HACCP by the end of 2019 with the support of the Agriculture Projects Management Agency.
Since 2013, with the state support, 188 new enterprises have been financed within the framework of the "United AgroProject". 23 new enterprises among them were opened in Shida Kartli region. The financial support of the state gave the entrepreneurs an additional push for development and expansion of their business. The Agriculture Projects Management Agency is implementing the United AgroProject; the project is designed for long-term development and aims to promote competitiveness in agriculture, stable growth of high quality products and introduction of international standards of food safety.