Georgia Joins the Global Celebration of World Food Day

Georgia, together with more than 150 countries worldwide, marked World Food Day. This year’s theme — “ Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” — emphasizes collective action for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

 

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, attended the event dedicated to World Food Day. In his address, the Minister thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for its long-standing partnership and active efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of the day. He also congratulated FAO on its 80th anniversary.

 

“FAO has played a crucial role in improving access to safe food for people around the world. The Government of Georgia is actively engaged in this process. Our goal is to ensure the highest quality of agricultural products in the country and to establish a fully functional value chain that will make Georgian products competitive on the global market. FAO remains an active partner and an important supporter in achieving this mission,” said Minister Songulashvili.

During the event, guests explored interactive exhibits showcasing FAO’s regional and national initiatives and programs, including Food Banks, One Country – One Priority Product (OCOP), the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI), Youth Empowerment in Agri-Food Systems, and One Health.

“World Food Day reminds us that agriculture and food are fundamental elements for human development, and supporting them is essential. FAO’s 80 years of experience and efforts in transforming agricultural and food systems are now more relevant and necessary than ever,” stated Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia.

 

The event also featured a youth dialogue on the role of young people in transforming agri-food systems, where participants shared their experiences and ideas.

 

On World Food Day, FAO places special emphasis on the role of “Food Heroes” — farmers, chefs, volunteers, teachers, and citizens whose efforts contribute to ensuring access to safe and nutritious food.

 

This year, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to sustainable agri-food system development, Sopho Tabatadze, a young farmer promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and Nana Olqishvili, head of Georgia’s first accredited food bank “Enkenia,” were named Food Heroes. Their work plays a vital role in enhancing food security and strengthening social inclusion across Georgia.