On 10 August 2017, in the framework of ENPARD programme, Mercy Corps hosted a cross-visit of the representatives of farmer cooperatives supported by other ENPARD partners - People in Need (PIN), Care and Oxfam.  The visit was held in Tkemlovani village of Chiatura municipality, in Imereti.

The visit aimed to demonstrate the traditional Kvevri making technology to wine-makers and vine-growers from ENPARD beneficiary viticulture and winemaking cooperatives. The host of the visit, ENPARD and Mercy Corps beneficiary Roman Chinchaladze runs his kvevri business, which is based on ancient Georgian traditional unique technology. He inherited the knowledge and skills of kvevri-making from his ancestors and is proud to continue with this business and to promote it.

Kvevri wine is very popular in Georgia and it is widely known for being awarded by UNESCO with the status of traditional non-material cultural heritage. The cooperatives were encouraged to link with the kvevri-maker cooperative to use their produce in their own activities.

Among the visit participants was Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Georgia, Gela Khanishvili, Chairman of Agricultural Cooperatives Development Agency (ACDA), Giorgi Misheladze, representatives of ENPARD implementing partner organizations, Imereti Governor's office, local consultation and information center and media.

Within ENPARD programme farmers' groups and cooperatives have expressed the need and readiness to further develop their businesses and increase their technical capacity. Mercy Corps together with other ENPARD implementing partners - PIN, Oxfam and Care, helps the beneficiary cooperatives to share with one another the skills and experience gained within the programme.

The European Union is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 102 million (2013-2019), the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge