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              On October 2-7 CARE International in the Caucasus organized a study tour in Latvia for twelve agricultural cooperatives supported under the EU's ENPARD program. The purpose of the study tour was to share the experience of Latvian cooperatives working in beekeeping and milk processing and to establish future relations with Latvian farmers and companies. The agricultural cooperatives participating in the tour included:  "Chrela", "Shurobumu", "Tsikara", "Akhali Produkti" who work on dairy and milk production and "Korenishi", "Svanuri Putkari", "Alpuri Nektari", "Khvamli", "Otsneba" "Jalagona", "Nektari", "Madliani Takveri", working on beekeeping.   During the visits, the Georgian side met with the representatives of the Ozlonek Information-Consultation Center, funded by the Government of Latvia and got introduced with the Center's work.   Georgian farmers visited Latvian Beekeepers Association, which unites 3250 farmers and got introduced with the principles of the work of the association, rights and obligations of member farmers, standards in Latvia in the field of beekeeping, Latvian experience of prevention of various diseases, treatment, and bee-care.   Field visits were held with local beekeepers. Both sides shared their theoretical and practical knowledge. In this regard, the experience of Georgian beekeepers appeared to be equally interesting for their Latvian colleagues.   Georgian beekeepers also attended the training - "marketing, quantitative and qualitative growth and branding of products" conducted by leading marketing specialists which was particularly interesting and important for the farmers.     Georgian milk producer farmers also held fruitful visits with farmers working both at livestock farms and food processing enterprises. They got acquainted with the principles of arrangement of farms based on the European standards, the work scheme of dairy collecting centers and the production technology of different types of natural yoghurts and ice cream.   Dairy Farmers visited dairy processing cooperative where they got acquainted with the production cycle of various products, the principles of cooperative management and decision making in Latvian cooperative. The visit was held in the breeding farm where they got familiar with the rules of storage of cattle in the cattle shed, feeding, sanitary-hygiene and automation, and artificial insemination.         Farmers met with the representatives of Georgian Embassy in Latvia. The Ambassador of Georgia in Latvia spoke about the future relations between Georgia and Latvia, the possibilities of similar study tours for farmers working in different spheres.   The study program also included cultural events. Farmers learned about the history of the country, cultural monuments, and views of ordinary people on the development of the country.