The Republic of Georgia faces rural socioeconomic challenges due to low agricultural productivity and profitability, despite employing 40% of the workforce. The Adjara region, with significant potential for inland trout farming, is constrained by high investment risks, disease prevalence, and a lack of technical expertise. The CADI program was established to address these issues through training, demonstration farms, and novel diagnostic techniques.
Program activities included field demonstrations, molecular pathogen surveys, and a U.S. trout aquaculture study tour for 12 Georgian stakeholders. A 2018 pre-program survey identified critical needs, including technical expertise, training programs, and disease diagnostic services. Post-program evaluations (2026) will assess the program’s impact on farmer knowledge, disease management, and industry growth.
Outcomes include improved diagnostic capacity, adoption of advanced management practices, and the establishment of a self-sustaining aquaculture extension center. These efforts aim to sustain industry growth in Adjara and foster trade opportunities with U.S. suppliers. Feedback from stakeholders, including the USDA-FAS and the Georgian Ministry of Agriculture, ensures alignment with local needs. Early evaluations demonstrate progress toward empowering Georgian trout farmers through education and innovation.