The Agro-Business Centre-Gori (ABC-Gori) was founded in May 1998 as Agro-Business
Training and Consultancy provider, Georgian non-governmental organisation, which
aims at supporting the development of agro-business in Shida Kartli region of
Georgia and Support the transformation of Georgian farm enterprises into profitable
Western style businesses. Until summer 1999, ABC Gori received full cost coverage
and technical assistance from the European Union TACIS Agro-business programme
ABC-Gori provides the following services:
- Business training for start up and SME enterprises;
- Business plan training;
- Agriculture sector survey and analysis;
- Identification of trade partners;
- Feasibility studies;
- Issue and monitoring of small loans (Tacis RARP project)
ABC-Gori employs three agro-business advisors, which are highly qualified
in their respective area of competence and have undergone extensive training
through European trainers in Georgia and abroad.
In July 1999, Gori ABC consultants were sent to Latvia for a study tour. With
the help of the tour, several useful contacts were made with different agricultural
organizations. Both sides shared experiences and some cooperative targets were
determined.
Since its foundation, ABC-Gori has prepared 30 Business Plans and 45 loan proposals
for clients from agro sectors, more than 90 persons received start-up and agro-business
skill training from ABC Gori.
List of training seminars carried by ABC Gori:
- In January-February- Courses on marketing and Financial management for the
farmers – contractor CARE International, Small farmer support program;
- In May – contractor SECOURS POPULAIRE FRANCAIS, Mr. Julian Schlubach and
Mr. Frederic Payen;
- In May – agribusiness training for Internally Displaced People – contractor
IRC Tbilisi office, Mrs. Lauren Hendricks;
- In August – three training course for farmers. Contractor OSCE Mr. William
B. Farrel;
The achievements of Gori Agri-business Center:
In December 1998, the office received a grant from the British Embassy Know
How Fund, for the implementation of a pig project, to improve genetics. This
project was successfully executed in the village of Khidistavi. Sows were
chosen to have improved care and complete feeding cycle (before the weaning
of piglets), according to the recommendations, received at the Zoo-Vet-institute
(Professor I. Shubitidze).
The accomplishments presented to the region farmers and to the Euro Delegation
at the presentation in October 1999, proved the economic efficiency of the
mentioned regime.
ABC imported soil-testing kits from UK, that are practically used since September-October
1999. It is very easy to test the mineral content of (N,P,K, ph) soil with
theses kits.
In March 1999, Gori ABC office received 150 000 Gel interest-free loan from
RARP project for eight months. ABC consultants, after collecting information
form local farmers, prepared Business Plans with financial and marketing analysis
and lent (March-April) short-term input credits (from 4-7 months)
The mentioned credits were received by ten farmers and were used in all branches
(grain-crop farming, cattle, pigs, fruits, vegetables).
