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David Songulashvili: “The State Agricultural Laboratory is Constantly Introducing Valid Research Methods That Align with International Standards ”
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, visited the newly opened Facility of the State Agricultural Laboratory in Tbilisi.
The Director of the laboratory, Mr. Irakli Guledani, briefed the Minister on the enhanced workflow made possible by recent infrastructure upgrades and modernization of technical equipment.
Minister Songulashvili highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening the national laboratory network, emphasizing that it remains a continuous and multifaceted effort.
“Strengthening the laboratory system encompasses various critical components, including modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and up-to-date technical equipment. New research methods that are internationally recognized and scientifically valid are being regularly adopted. Our laboratory specialists also undergo ongoing training in partnership with leading international laboratories,” stated Minister Songulashvili.
The Minister emphasized that timely and accurate diagnostics are essential across all stages of agricultural production, noting that the additional workspaces provided in the new laboratory building significantly expanded research capacity in the field of food safety.
“I want to stress that timely and precise diagnostics are decisive factors in every phase of agricultural production. Our primary goal is to ensure the supply of local market with safe and healthy products while also promoting high-quality Georgian goods in international markets,” the Minister added.
According to Mr. Guledani, Director of the State Agricultural Laboratory, the expanded capacities of the laboratory will contribute to more efficient, high-quality research, supporting the smooth operation of the agricultural sector in Georgia. The Director also emphasized the laboratory’s recent initiation of biodegradation quality testing for polyethylene bags, a significant step toward aligning with national environmental policies and implementing practical green standards.
The State Laboratory of Agriculture network includes the central laboratory in Tbilisi, two zonal laboratories (located in Kutaisi and Akhaltsikhe), and 10 regional laboratories. These facilities conduct a wide range of research, including food safety, drinking water analysis, and diagnostics of plant and animal diseases.
Notably, the State Agricultural Laboratory holds the status of a National Reference Laboratory, authorizing it to conduct definitive testing in cases of disputed research samples.
The laboratory operates in full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, ensuring that all research procedures meet the highest International Standards. The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili accompanied the Minister at the newly opened Facility of the State Agricultural Laboratory.