Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Highlights the Importance of Building Sustainable Agri-Food Systems at “Zero Waste” Forum in Istanbul

Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, hosted the “Zero Waste” Forum, bringing together approximately 1,600 participants from nearly 50 delegations, including policymakers, representatives of United Nations agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations.

In his remarks, Mr Zurab Ezugbaia, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, emphasised the importance of developing efficient, sustainable, and resilient agri-food systems aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.

“For Georgia, this issue is closely linked to enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, strengthening food security, supporting rural development, and increasing farmers’ incomes. In today’s increasingly complex global environment, characterised by climate-related challenges and disruptions in supply chains, reducing food loss is no longer solely a priority for the agricultural sector; it has also become a key prerequisite for national resilience and economic development,” stated Mr Zurab Ezugbaia.

The Deputy Minister noted that Georgia has made significant progress in modernizing its agricultural sector and strengthening agri-food value chains. Through targeted investments and support programs, the country has substantially improved infrastructure for storage, processing, logistics, and market access, enabling producers to maintain product quality and access higher-value markets.

“Reducing post-harvest losses requires coordinated action across all segments of the agri-food supply chain. Georgia is ready to continue investing in modern infrastructure, innovation, and partnerships that bring tangible benefits to both producers and consumers. Through cooperation and the exchange of experience, we can build more efficient, sustainable, and resilient agri-food systems for future generations,” the Mr Deputy Minister added.

The “Zero Waste” Forum was held on 5–6 June in Istanbul under the leadership and patronage of Mrs Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye.