USAID/CNFA Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Georgia
On June 7, Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), an international agricultural development organization, celebrated its 10th anniversary of designing and implementing market-driven agricultural and agribusiness development initiatives in Georgia. The organization hosted a Conference and Grantee Fair at Expo Georgia, inviting high-level officials, including Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, and USAID/Georgia Acting Mission Director, Thomas Morris.
The Fair featured almost 20 grantees that are currently receiving support and technical assistance from the USAID Restoring Efficiency to Agriculture Production (REAP) project, an ongoing CNFA-led program. REAP is committed to increasing income and employment in rural areas by delivering investment and technical assistance to expanding the operation of existing smallholder farmers and rural enterprises.
In his opening speech, Giorgi Kvirikashvili declared that CNFA has not just been a partner but has also been a friend to the Georgian farming community. “CNFA has played a vital role in transforming Georgia's agriculture,” he said.
Ex-Minister of Georgian Agriculture, David Kirvalidze, who currently serves as a member of the CNFA Board of Directors, emphasized the organization’s role in boosting entrepreneurship in Georgia. “Private enterprises are what CNFA is all about,” Kirvalidze underscored, adding, “it assists individuals and encourages entrepreneurship.”
USAID Georgia Chief, Thomas Morris, spoke of CNFA’s support toward Georgia’s western course. “We will continue supporting Georgia on its path to EU and NATO. CNFA is stimulating economic growth in Georgia through entrepreneurship,” Morris stated.
The conference incorporated a number of other prominent speakers, among which was Michael Espy, CNFA Board of Director and former US Secretary of Agriculture. Espy said that during a recent visit to Gori, he saw Russian soldiers and their occupation, which he regards as an ‘old way’. He believes that CNFA offers a ‘new way’ of development, entrepreneurship and economic growth. He gave the example of a successful enterprise in Gori, which was supported by CNFA.
John Castelo, CNFA Europe Board Chairman, spoke of David Kirvalidze’s personal leadership and his commitment to Georgian agriculture and the well-being of the country. “We are all engaged in the right process here in Georgia,” Castelo declared. On May 30, President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, awarded John Castelo with the Golden Fleece Order for his significant contribution to Georgian agriculture and international assistance programs for Georgia.
The conference concluded with a presentation by Darejan Kanteladze, owner of a dairy processing plant, Santa Ltd, who highlighted significant achievements that the company has accomplished as a result of working with USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and CNFA over the past eight years.
Since 2006, CNFA has led or been involved in eight projects, three of which are currently ongoing. These projects, as a result of US Government assistance through USAID and MCC, and in partnership with the Government of Georgia, have supported more than 430 agro-businesses, created over 3,500 jobs, generated USD 51 million in new gross sales, and trained more than 140,000 individuals. “We are extremely fortunate that CNFA continues to work in Georgia and the reason behind this is simple: our local Georgian staff,” said CNFA President and CEO, Sylvain Roy. “None of this would be possible without their hard work and dedication- some of them have been with us since our very first project. It is thanks to our staff’s commitment and passion that CNFA has been able to truly make a positive impact in such an incredible country.”
The conference and grantee fair was the last event of a six-day visit to Georgia for seven CNFA Board of Directors to experience firsthand some of the work being implemented and to see the historical impacts of CNFA-supported projects. Other members of the CNFA Board of Directors delegation included Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Senior Policy Advisor, Devry Boughner Vorwerk; Elin Miller Consulting, LLC Principal, Elin Miller; and former Archer Daniels Midland Company Senior Vice President, Richard P. Reising.
CNFA specializes in designing sustainable, market-led agricultural initiatives. CNFA builds strong local and global partnerships, incorporates innovative approaches in its programs, and fosters inclusive development to offer enhanced opportunities to under-served groups. Since 1985, CNFA has managed more than USD 600 million in donor-funded agriculture development programs and has worked in 43 countries around the world, in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia.
Zviad Adzinbaia