Implementing Good Agricultural Practices for domestic and export markets (2017)

Bureau Leeters conducted an identification mission to consult on the measures to be taken and actors to be involved in promoting a GAP framework in the Georgian agribusiness. This assignment was part of the Zrda project, funded by USAID and implemented by Chemonics. The project aims to enhance competitiveness of agricultural value chains. Many farmers and producers in the agricultural sector in Georgia cannot meet international market access requirements, such as Global GAP, which is the leading international standard for pre-harvest. Global GAP is the dot on the horizon for Georgian producers with the goal to access high-end markets. However, other pathways, such as localg.a.p. or any other (private) GAP standard, are more feasible for the short term. Jos Leeters advised on the way forward, how to come to a certification framework and which actors to involve. Furthermore, he gave specific attention to the potential of cultivation and exports of chili peppers to the Western European market.