<p>A group of Georgian farmers, representing the Zugdidi-based Darcheli cooperative and employees of the Samegrelo region Information Consultation Centres, today began a comprehensive programme focussed on the production and processing of hazelnuts. The activity is part of an EU-funded project for capacity building of agricultural cooperatives, implemented in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) in Georgia.The programme will be conducted in a ‘training of trainers’ format for the 15 farmers involved, and will run for a total duration of two months between 30 March and 2 December 2016. It will cover 11 modules on various topics related to hazelnut production and farm management.Georgia is currently benefitting from EUR 52 million in support for agricultural and rural development through the EU-funded ENPARD Programme. Launched in 2012, the Programme aims to boost the production of food and reduce rural poverty in Georgia. Besides the grants component, ENPARD also provides direct budget support to the Government of Georgia for the implementation of its agriculture sector strategy, and brings expertise and know-how to the authorities.<br></p>