Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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The First Online Session of the International Olive Council held under the Presidency of Georgia

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili participated in the first online session of the International Olive Council (IOC), which brought together representatives of more than 45 countries. 

While addressing the participants, the Minister outlined the importance of the International Council, as a platform contributing to the development of the sector. The President of  the International Olive Council, Giorgi Svanidze chaired the online session.

It should be mentioned, that Georgia became a member of the International Olive Council in 2019. In the same year, our country was officially named the President of the International Olive Council for 2020.
 

"I am happy, that Georgia has been accepted as a family member of the International Olive Council since 2019. Tbilisi would willingly host the council meeting, if there was not the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, due to the global epidemiological situation, the Council has extended the presidential terms and position of our country. I hope, we will have an opportunity to host a meeting of the Council in the capital city of Georgia next year "- said Levan Davitashvili.

The Minister noted, that one of the main priorities of Georgian Government is to enhance new economic opportunities. The cultivation of olive plantations will play a key role in supporting economic growth of the country, thus contributing to boosting local employment.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Khatia Tsilosani attended the online session. The importance of beneficial properties of olives and its byproducts was outlined by the Deputy Minister, who also noted, that olive groves are regarded as an environmentally-favorable crops with a unique capacity promoting restoration of degraded soil and at the same time, reducing adverse effects of climate change.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the issues related to the production and sale of olive products, as well as future plans have been brought forward by participants at the meeting. The International Olive Council  has named Georgia as the third hub in Europe.
According to Giorgi Svanidze,   Europe will supply Asian countries with products made from olives through Georgia, which will help our country to attract more investments, develop olive industry and sell olive production.

The International Olive Council was established in 1959 in Madrid, Spain. The IOC aims to support the primary production and export of olives.