November 16-17, 2020 – Due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak and the increased number of Covid-19 cases, the Tsalka Local Action Group (LAG) organized a two-day online workshop with the German partners to develop a 2021 LAG Action Plan and self-assessment mechanism. 

On the first day of the workshop, Tsalka LAG members discussed in detail the LAG Action Plan for 2021, outlined the thematic areas of work envisaged by the Tsalka local development strategy, and outlined the time frame and deadlines for specific activities assigned to the LAG members. On the second day of the workshop, LAG members briefed the German partners on the achievements and challenges of the Tsalka LAG.

The German partners shared with the LAG members the German model and practice of the European LEADER approach and three different mechanisms of organizational self-assessment for the LAG. 

The workshop was interactive, in which Tsalka LAG members discussed with the German partners specific examples of evaluation of LAG activities, cooperation mechanisms and future plans. 

At the end of the meeting, Tsalka LAG members and German partners agreed to apply the shared knowledge in practice. Tsalka LAG will evaluate the 2021 Action Plan through a self-assessment mechanism shared by the German partners and share the results with partners next year. 

The project “EMBRACE Tsalka” is implemented under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) by EU’s partner organization CENN, in partnership with the Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA) and German partner organization – Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS).

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second and third phases of ENPARD focus on creating economic opportunities for rural populations that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge.

Media Contact:

Melano Tkabladze, EMBRACE Tsalka Project Manager, CENN, melano.tkabladze@cenn.org 

Marie Kikvadze, Communication Manager, CENN, marie.kikvadze@cenn.org