Hello,
I am Grigol Kvitsiani, from the village of Becho in Zemo Svaneti. Professionally, I am a landscape architect; currently, however, I am engaged in agriculture. In recent years, I have developed a particular interest in organic production.
This journey began two years ago when a family member shared information about a project funded by the European Union, Sweden, and Austria - The GRETA initiative, aiming to strengthen organic agriculture in highland regions.
The initiative fascinated my interest, prompting me to try my luck and follow the instructions published by the project. After going through several stages, I was accepted and got involved in the project, and this is where a completely new and fascinating process began for me. My vision involved cultivating organic strawberries in Zemo Svaneti while establishing the necessary greenhouse infrastructure. Initially, this idea might have appeared peculiar due to the challenging climatic conditions of Upper Svaneti. Nevertheless, what was once an unconventional idea is now a successful business.
With the assistance of donors, the greenhouse was fully assembled and installed. They also financed the purchase of seedlings, and most importantly, they provided us with an agro-expert whose guidance, from planting to harvesting, played an essential role in ensuring the process proceeded correctly. Among the donor assistance forms, I would like to emphasise the conducted training sessions. These training sessions equipped me with crucial information in a field that was entirely foreign to me, which I effectively applied in my practices.
Allow me to express that, from today's perspective, the invaluable support and advantages received since the start of the project are evident. Primarily, it's worth noting that there has been a growing interest in the organic cultivation of strawberries and berries in general in Svaneti. The success story of my experience and that of several others has served as motivation for many locals. Additionally, the region has witnessed the introduction of innovations. As is known, cultivating strawberries in Svaneti is an innovation in itself.
The initiative has proven to be quite fruitful. In the first year, our harvest produced up to 600 kilograms. Each subsequent year has witnessed a 50% increase in yield because we kept implementing expert guidance over time. Drawing from my modest experience, I advise fellow entrepreneurs to consider organic production. There is a global interest in organic products, which is steadily increasing, and this trend is seen in the local market as well.
I am pleased to share that I expect to receive the
organic certificate by the end of the year. The prospect of this motivates me to expand the greenhouse even
further, where I plan to cultivate organic strawberries and potatoes. I
sincerely wish for more projects like the GRETA initiative in Georgia. Such
projects create many opportunities for Georgian small-scale businesses,
particularly in mountainous regions.
In conclusion, in case of interest, I am ready to cooperate, whether it be a commercial venture or a new project in the field of organic production. I am available for contact via email: grigolikviciani52@gmail.com. I hope to have other official means of communication soon. Good luck!
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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.
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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