Georgian Hazelnut Improvement Project (G-HIP) Quarterly Progress Report

Through participation in GHGA's Temporary Executive Committee (TEC) meetings, G-HIP enhanced skills development, implemented monthly reporting systems for producer groups, and provided hands-on training to the management team. Additionally, G-HIP's program activities included coordinating and managing activities related to combating the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), amending the sub-agreement with GHGA and adding additional funds for a Public Relations (PR) Campaign, providing soil-testing and increased access to finance for input purchases to GHGA members, and providing support to the Hazelnut Exporters and Processors Association (HEPA) for attending the 2019 Frucom Conference in Brussels. G-HIP worked closely with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), the National Food Agency (NFA), and the Agricultural Projects' Management Agency (APMA) throughout the quarter. These activities will contribute significantly to G-HIP's 5-year vision for the hazelnut sector in Georgia, which includes strengthening GHGA and HEPA to develop and maintain sustainable business models, strengthen the hazelnut value chain, improve the sector's productivity and quality, stimulate international recognition of the "Georgian Hazelnut" as a brand synonymous with quality, and represent the sector before the Government of Georgia (GoG) and in international markets. G-HIP contributed significantly to the response to the BMSB, which has negatively impacted the hazelnut sector in Georgia. G-HIP worked closely with AgriGeorgia/Ferrero, the National Food Agency (NFA), USAID, and international BMSB specialists to mitigate BMSB in Georgia. G-HIP will continue to support and develop specific activities under the NFA's strategy to combat the BMSB infestation as needed in Project Year 4. A summary of G-HIP's key accomplishments during the second quarter includes submitting a quarterly report to USAID and AgriGeorgia/Ferrero, posting 38 Facebook updates on G-HIP's Facebook page, supporting GHGA's Annual Conference, selecting a firm to conduct GHGA's audit, supporting GHGA's strategy for combatting the BMSB infestation, and providing strategic support to GHGA to implement the student-training program. G-HIP also supported HEPA to attend an international trade conference and provided support to GHGA to provide soil-testing services for producers participating in the input financing program and for other members/potential members utilizing fertilizers. Additionally, G-HIP provided support to GHGA to implement the student-training program and supported the development of hazelnut husking, drying, and storage facilities. The Third Annual Conference of the Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) was held on February 11, 2019, in Conference Hall "Bagrationi", Zugdidi. The conference aimed to publicize the Association's activities and future plans among farmers and those related to the hazelnut sector. The conference was attended by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and Vice Ministers, Governor of Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti Region, USAID Georgia Economic Growth Office Director, representatives from Agricultural Projects Management Agency, National Food Agency, and other stakeholders in the hazelnut sector. G-HIP's program activities have contributed significantly to the development of the hazelnut sector in Georgia, and the project continues to work towards its 5-year vision for the sector.