Hello,
I am Lamara Chikhelidze, a farmer and Chiatura Farmers' Center director from the Kvatsikhe village, Zemo Imereti region. In addition to being a vet doctor, I also run a family farm with bees and engage in various agricultural activities. But enough about myself; let's dive into a story from the recent past. In 2019, a project presentation took place in Ambrolauri to support entrepreneurs from the highland region interested in organic agriculture and tourism products. The information I received during this event made it clear that I had to seize the opportunity to contribute to developing bio-entrepreneurship in my region.
Looking back, I can confidently say that I made the right choice. With the support of the European Union, Sweden and Austria, through the project, I received funding for a 500-square-meter greenhouse, where I now cultivate strawberries and organic vegetables. This step pushed me into seriously considering organic production, and we are optimistic that our future harvests will meet organic standards, leading to the acquisition of a bio certificate – a crucial component in this direction.
I must express my heartfelt gratitude for the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria. The training sessions we received and the knowledge we acquired through their assistance have proven incredibly valuable in our day-to-day operations. We are now effectively applying this newfound knowledge to enhance our activities. Confidently, we are eager to share the expertise we've gained in organic strawberry cultivation with other aspiring entrepreneurs. We can do this and desire to support and motivate others by setting a positive example.
Of course, we must acknowledge the obstacles we've encountered along the way to discuss success. In my case, a heavy snowfall once damaged our greenhouse. At that point, losing hope and giving up on growing organic strawberries would have been easy. However, we restored the greenhouse thanks to the GRETA project and donors' support. Frankly, I didn't expect such help, but their unwavering support empowered me to overcome this setback and keep moving forward.
It has been an incredible journey filled with motivation, responsibility, and valuable experiences. Through my example, I want to encourage everyone not to fear obstacles, as every endeavour comes with challenges. However, persistence and dedication to purposeful work always yield fruitful results.
As for my plans, my vision extends to the global bio direction. In Georgia, there is a growing focus on organic practices. I am particularly interested in expanding bio-greenhouse farming, which holds significant financial promise and intrigue.
In conclusion, I am eager to develop new business
connections and collaborate with various initiatives and projects. You can
reach us through social networks, specifically on my Facebook Page - Lamara Chikhelidze.
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With the support of the European Union, Sweden and Austria, 68 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the highland region of Georgia have received substantial assistance for their business development.
Take advantage of the upcoming success stories, where incredibly fascinating people will share their experiences with us.
Project GRETA | “Green Economy:
Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Organic Agriculture” is implemented by the
Austria Development Agency in Georgia with the support of the European Union,
Austria, and Sweden. The project aims to improve the business environment and
create new income opportunities in two important sectors of the Georgian
economy, mountain tourism and organic agriculture. For more information about
the GRETA project, please visit: www.gretaproject.ge.
This material has been produced with the assistance of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Austrian Development Agency /GRETA Project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden, or Austria.
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