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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrated World Food Day 2024 in Kutaisi.
On October 16, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, celebrated World Food Day in Kutaisi. The event was organized with the support of the Imereti Regional Administration and Kutaisi City Hall.
“Every year, the FAO marks World Food Day, and the Ministry is always actively involved in this important event. Promoting food production, food safety, and food security remains our top priority. The Ministry is committed to ensuring the sustainable development of agro-food production in the country, which significantly improves the population’s access to food,” said Tengiz Nasaridze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
World Food Day, observed in over 150 countries, is one of the most significant dates on the UN calendar. This year’s theme, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," underscores the importance of guaranteeing food security and fostering inclusive, efficient, and sustainable agri-food systems that ensure access to healthy, diverse food. The right to food is recognized as a basic human right.
As part of the celebration, the agricultural market "Unique Georgian Taste" showcased traditional food products, including dairy items, honey, dried fruits, Georgian bread, and various niche products from farmers across Georgia. Children enjoyed fun activities while the educational installation was set up to raise awareness about food losses and the redistribution of surplus food.
The event was attended by notable figures, including FAO representative in Georgia, Raimund Jehle; Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Tengiz Nasaridze; Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Mzia Giorgobiani; Deputy State Commissioner of Imereti, Besik Gopodze; and Deputy Mayor of Kutaisi, Mamuka Khimshiashvili.
Each year, FAO recognizes Food Heroes—individuals who contribute to advancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices. This year, the "Hero of Food" award was presented to Lali Turabelidze, a honey producer from Tskaltubo in the Imereti region, who markets her products under the brand "Tatula." Turabelidze’s work is rooted in sustainable agricultural practices, and she has participated in numerous FAO initiatives, showcasing her products at agrarian markets.
"World Food Day holds special significance for FAO," said Raimund Jehle, FAO’s representative in Georgia. "Today, approximately 738 million people face hunger due to conflict, extreme weather, and economic challenges. This year, we call for global solidarity to transform agri-food systems—building inclusive, sustainable systems that eliminate inequality, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development. Only by securing access to healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food can we ensure the fundamental human right to food and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals."