BioChimPharm has been awarded a grant of $150,000 from the EU and FAO, to support PowerPhage production. This grant, together with the $1,000,000 raised in investment by the company, is aimed to allow a 300% increase in the production of PowerPhage. The EU and FAO grant is mainly aimed towards the upgrade of the manufacturing line and to ensure EU good manufacturing practice compliance.
“Today, through the EU-funded ENPARD III program, FAO is very happy to support an innovative actor of the poultry value chain: BioChimPharm. Our financial support will help increase the production capacity by 300%, bringing opportunities for the grantee to reinforce its export markets and to continue its efforts in the development of very promising products. This is part of the value chain approach we are promoting, linking stakeholders from farm to fork,” stated Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO Programme Coordinator.
“The widespread use of antibiotics in poultry farms increases health risks for consumers. BioChimPharm’s innovative products provide a Georgian-made alternative to veterinary antibiotics. With the EU and FAO support, the company will be able to further develop its product, increase production and meet EU standards. This is one example of the support the European Union provides to Georgian businesses under its ENPARD and EU4Business programmes,” stated Dominik Papenheim, Team Leader for Economic Development and Market Opportunities at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.
About BioChimPharm
BioChimPharm, a Georgian biotechnology company that is known worldwide for its bacteriophage products, has experience in the research and development of over 80 over in the field of bacteriophage production. The company is ISO 9001-2015 certified, holds 12 registered products and two international patents under its name. It is looking into a new product, PowerPhage, to be used in the veterinary industry. The product is to be used in meat production, with a specific focus on poultry farms. The EU and FAO grant is expected to create new jobs and help the company grasp its tremendous export potential on the EU market.
FAO and EU
FAO and EU support of BioChimPharm is implemented under the European Neighborhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD III). It aims to address structural and systematic challenges that hinder rural development in Georgia and have a negative impact on the rural population and on the environment. The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD programme. Since 2013, ENPARD support €234.5 million towards providing economic opportunities in rural areas and reducing poverty in Georgia.