Background
USAID/Georgia’s Restoring Efficiency to Agriculture Production (REAP) is a five year, $19.5 million program that is designed to increase income and employment in rural areas by delivering firm-level investment and technical assistance to expand the operation of existing smallholder farmers and rural enterprises. The project facilitates the entry of new agribusinesses and input suppliers, including machinery service providers, storage facilities, sorting/grading centers, and small and medium processors to improve the availability of high-quality inputs and services, and strengthen markets for agricultural goods and services.
Established in 2009, Nergeta is a producer, collector and exporter of high quality kiwi based in Zugdidi, Georgia. A global gap certified producer, Nergeta owns and operates a cold store and pack house and in 2015, received International Featured Standard (IFS) certification. Recognized for their high quality kiwi, Nergeta began exporting Georgian kiwifruit to Germany in early 2015.
In February 2016, REAP and Nergeta launched a cooperative program to improve the productivity and quality of Georgian kiwis. Comprised of trainings in improved production and postharvest handling practices, the cooperative program will work towards improving the productivity and incomes of Georgian kiwi growers.
One factor necessary for the expansion of kiwi growing in Georgia is to increase the number of fruit bearing flowers through ensuring successful pollination. To address this issue and promote kiwi growing in Georgia, Nergeta, in cooperation with the Government of Georgia’s Plant the Future Program, is introducing artificial pollination, which is proven to significantly increase yields and help growers overcome the challenge of high humidity and precipitation during the flowering season. While artificial pollination is a known practice, due to limited knowledge and experience, its usage is limited throughout Georgia.
Objectives
The objective of this consultancy is to provide a tailored consultancy to assist Nergeta in introducing artificial pollination. The selected consultant will be responsible for advising Nergeta to develop artificial pollination, introducing pollen collection, and recommending dry and wet pollination techniques. Once successfully introduced on Nergeta’s orchard, Nergeta’s trained specialists will host a field day to demonstrate these techniques and the benefits to local growers.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
The selected consultant will work closely with Nergeta to introduce artificial pollination. This is anticipated to require, but is not limited to, the completion of the following tasks:
Providing expert advice to Nergeta on introducing artificial pollination.
Advice should include:
Developing a manual and providing subsequent training to Nergeta’s team to successfully apply these techniques.
Deliverables
In accordance with the consultancy, the consultant shall present the following deliverables:
Period of Performance
The consultancy is expected to take place in early to mid-May; however, the consultant should remain flexible with regards to timing as he/she will need to be available during the flowering of the kiwifruit. The consultant will provide onsite technical assistance and remote consultations to Nergeta. Total LOE will not exceed 15 days, with approximately one week in-country.
How to Apply
To apply, please include your CV, Cover letter and USAID Biodata 1420 form with your application. Deadline for submission is February 28, 2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
About CNFA:
CNFA is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to stimulating economic growth in the agricultural sector by nurturing entrepreneurship, private enterprise and market linkages. CNFA specializes in fostering private sector investments in training, new technologies and marketing as a means to increase the overall competitiveness of agricultural value chains, to expand exports, and to develop skills in the rural workforce. CNFA assists smallholders in increasing household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) and strengthened linkages to markets.
