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

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Solomon Pavliashvili: "The adoption of innovation in agriculture is a key component to the sector's growth."

Representatives from the government, academia, and non-governmental organizations convened to discuss the adoption of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) in Georgia.

Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between producers and the scientific community. He highlighted the exchange of global best practices to establish a unified agricultural education system and develop a model tailored to Georgia’s specific needs.

"AKIS is an agricultural management model grounded in knowledge, innovation, and education. We need to learn how to apply scientific innovations in agriculture. Many research findings have yet to be implemented in practice. With the introduction of this project in Georgia, the European Union directive will be fulfilled, and the EU management model will be adapted," said Mr. Pavliashvili.

The Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) aims to enhance the production of higher quality, eco-friendly agricultural products by strengthening knowledge and innovation in agriculture and rural areas.
The Environmental Information and Education Center of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture established the AKIS initiative with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

"Georgia is a country rich in agricultural traditions and culture. Without robust research and innovation, our nation would not have cultivated over 500 grape varieties. However, despite these traditions, Georgia is not self-sufficient in food production. New crops and varieties must be developed and, more importantly, adapted to market demands. Therefore, fostering the adoption of technologies and education in the agricultural sector is crucial," said Beka Tagauri, National Programme Coordinator at the Swiss Cooperation Office (SDC).

The members of the Parliament of Georgia, officials from relevant ministries and agencies, representatives of higher education institutions and colleges, as well as representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) attended the meeting.