International Experts Shine Spotlight on Georgia’s Food Industry

TBILISI – At an event in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on June 15-16 policy makers, civil society organizations and other key players from across the Caucasus region and Europe came together to discuss the current state of the food industry, including the challenges associated with promoting a unified nutrition policy and support local food production.

Georgia is a country where agricultural development is key for the development of the national economy. Finding solutions aimed at modernizing its development was at the top of the agenda at the International Conference on Food Security and Nutrition, organized by British Charity Oxfam.

International and local experts presented research findings at the conference that highlighted new approaches to nutrition and food security policies as well as innovative approaches to agricultural development in the South Caucasus.

The findings also noted that a lack of education and finance, coupled with a general sense of malaise from the industry, severely cripples the region’s attempts to realize its full potential.

European representative also took the time to present international models on developing inclusive policies and programs for small-scale farmers, saying Georgia is in an advantageous position and to capitalize on its organic farming traditions.

By Eka Karsaulidze

Edited by Nicholas Waller