On 1 July 2026, Georgia launches one of the most significant reforms of its agricultural support system in recent years. Instead of multiple fragmented grant schemes, the Rural Development Agency (RDA) is introducing a single State Agricultural Co-Financing Program covering the entire investment cycle—from primary production to storage and processing.
For commercial farms, investors and agribusinesses, this represents more than a new grant program. It reflects a shift in how public investment in agriculture is evaluated and supported.
For commercial farms, investors and agribusinesses, this represents more than a new grant program. It reflects a shift in how public investment in agriculture is evaluated and supported.
From Component-Based Grants to Investment Projects
Previously, government support focused on individual components such as:
- planting material;
- irrigation systems;
- anti-hail protection;
- wells;
- specific agricultural equipment.
Under the new framework, these elements can now be combined within a single investment project.
Instead of financing isolated purchases, the government will co-finance the successful implementation of an agricultural investment.
Key Financial Parameters
According to the Rural Development Agency:
- Minimum project value: GEL 100,000
- State co-financing: up to 50%
- Maximum state contribution: GEL 2 million
This makes the program particularly relevant for commercial-scale orchards, vineyards, greenhouses, livestock operations, aquaculture projects and post-harvest infrastructure.
The Most Important Change: Payment After Results
Perhaps the most important innovation is the transition to a results-based reimbursement model.
The typical project workflow will be:
- Submit an application.
- Pass preliminary technical assessment.
- Implement the project using private financing.
- Obtain an audit report.
- Pass final inspection by the Rural Development Agency.
- Receive government reimbursement.
This approach aligns public funding with completed investments rather than planned expenditures.
Stronger Technical Standards
The Agency also announced significantly enhanced monitoring procedures.
Each investment will be evaluated against predefined technical standards developed with local and international experts.
Projects will receive:
- initial site inspection;
- technical compliance assessment;
- implementation period (up to two years);
- independent audit;
- final verification before reimbursement.
This represents a noticeable move toward performance-based public investment.
Certified Auditors Become a Key Part of the Process
One of the most important announcements concerns the audit procedure.
According to the RDA, beneficiaries will no longer be able to submit reports prepared by any audit company. Audit reports will need to be prepared by auditors that satisfy the requirements established for the program.
At the time of publication, the Agency has announced this requirement, while the detailed implementation rules are expected to be published together with the Government Resolution and official program guidelines.
Applicants should therefore monitor future RDA updates regarding:
- eligibility requirements for auditors;
- approved audit procedures;
- potential lists of recognised auditors.
Useful resources:
- Rural Development Agency (RDA): https://rda.gov.ge/en/
- RDA Programs: https://rda.gov.ge/en/programs
- Applicant Portal: https://my.rda.gov.ge/
(If the Agency publishes an official register of approved auditors, we recommend consulting only the latest version available directly on the RDA website.)
New Priority Sectors
Beyond perennial orchards, the updated program expands support for several strategic sectors, including:
- table grapes;
- blueberry production (including container-grown systems);
- greenhouses;
- poultry;
- livestock;
- aquaculture;
- slaughterhouses;
- storage and processing facilities.
The government also highlighted investments in technologies protecting orchards against spring frost.
What Does This Mean for Investors?
From an investment perspective, the reform sends several positive signals:
- larger integrated investment projects are encouraged;
- technical quality becomes more important than simply purchasing equipment;
- commercial viability receives greater attention;
- monitoring standards become more transparent;
- export-oriented production receives stronger policy support.
For institutional investors and commercial growers, this reduces uncertainty around long-term agricultural investments.
ATIS Perspective
We believe this reform reflects the continued professionalisation of Georgia's agricultural investment environment.
However, higher standards also increase the importance of:
- technical due diligence;
- investment planning;
- agronomic design;
- implementation monitoring;
- preparation of documentation before submission.
Projects that are professionally designed from the outset will be significantly better positioned to meet the new requirements and successfully obtain reimbursement.
At ATIS, we help investors, financial institutions and agribusinesses structure commercially viable agricultural projects—from feasibility studies and technical design to implementation support and operational advisory.