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National Forum on Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Georgia
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Lasha Avaliani, along with Mr. Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia, Mrs. Nino Tsilosani, the Deputy Chair of the Parliament of Georgia, and Mr. Gela Samkharauli, the Chair of the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, made opening remarks at the National Forum “Joining Forces to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and Promote Food Donation”.
Marking International Day for Zero Waste, the event emphasized the critical need to reduce food loss and waste and foster the sharing of experience and solutions.
“Food loss is a significant global challenge, including in Georgia, affecting both producers and the national economy. Therefore, its management is of state importance and requires coordinated engagement between the public and private sectors. The Parliament of Georgia has adopted relevant legislation and a national strategy, while the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is actively advancing efforts in food safety and reducing food loss. In this process, the National Food Agency plays a key role by authorizing charitable activities, thereby supporting the efficient and targeted distribution of food,” stated Mr. Lasha Avaliani.
During the forum, the parties focused on improving the efficiency of food systems, enhancing food safety, and implementing measures to address climate change. Discussions also highlighted the development of effective mechanisms for redistributing surplus food, which significantly contributes to supporting socially vulnerable populations.
“In the regional context, Georgia is taking leading steps in reducing food loss. The adoption of relevant legislation sends a strong strategic signal and a clear message from the country. Tangible results are already emerging, food banks are being established, resource allocation is improving, and food is reaching those who need it most. This progress reflects effective cooperation between the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and its international partners and represents an important first step toward more sustainable outcomes,” noted Mr. Raimund Jehle.
The forum brought together representatives of government institutions, the private sector, charitable and non-governmental organizations, civil society, and international partners. Participants discussed ways to promote responsible consumption, practical approaches to reducing food loss and waste, and opportunities for redistributing surplus food.
At the end of the forum, a joint statement was adopted, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to consolidating efforts to reduce food loss and waste in Georgia and promote food donation.
The event was organized within the framework of the ENPARD IV project “Support to the Food Safety and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Sector”.