Georgia

Georgia Hazelnut Improvement Project

Overview:

The Georgia Hazelnut Improvement Project (G-HIP) was a $7.3 million project (2015-2023) funded and implemented by a Global Development Alliance (GDA) between USAID, Ferrero and CNFA to increase the sustainable capacity and private sector development of the hazelnut industry in Georgia.

Hazelnuts represent Georgia’s second largest agricultural export by value and support the livelihoods of more than 50,000 growers and processors, but due to inconsistent quality and lack of market distinction, Georgian hazelnuts often sell at lower prices. G-HIP worked to transform and streamline the hazelnut value chain to improve the quality of Georgian hazelnuts.

Program Approach:

1. Capacity Building and Association Development: G-HIP provided training to beneficiaries such as the Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) and the Hazelnut Exporters and Processors Association (HEPA) to strengthen the capacity of the country’s existing drying and storage infrastructure and maximize impact in the sector.
2. Increased Productivity and Competitiveness: G-HIP implemented activities to mitigate inefficient value chain dynamics, including the introduction of a post-harvest quality incentive system, technology upgrades to post-harvest infrastructure and improved access to finance for value chain stakeholders.
3. Infrastructure Development and Marketing: To expand export marketing opportunities for Georgian hazelnuts, GHGA initiated efforts to improve traceability and widen the use of soil testing to enhance hazelnut quality along the value chain.