<p></p><p>Productivity and quality of the hazelnut produce in Georgia, its compliance with the relevant international standards and requirements will be on the agenda of the Hazelnut Stakeholder Forum organised in the country’s capital Tbilisi tomorrow in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD). The participants will discuss the government programme and plans worked out for upscaling the hazelnut sector in Georgia among other issues. <br></p> <p>Members of hazelnut farmers’ cooperatives, leading specialists and scientists, private companies engaged in the hazelnut sector, foreign hazelnut processing enterprises, exporter organizations and representatives from local government and civil society will attend the event. The country’s Prime Minister, representatives of Parliament, senior officials from several ministries, representatives of the EU and international organisations will attend the event.Hazelnut production is the biggest and one of the most important strategic export sectors for Georgia, ENPARD said, announcing the event. With integration of efficient farming practices to increase hazelnut quality and productivity, the country has an opportunity to rank among the top three hazelnut suppliers in the world.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 to reduce rural poverty in Georgia. Besides its 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><p></p>