David Songulashvili Meets with Representatives of Foundation Plant Services

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr David Songulashvili, met with the Director of Foundation Plant Services, Mr Maher Al-Rwahnih, and the founder and President of the Georgian Agrarian Union, Mr Valeri Gorgisheli.



The parties focused on avenues for cooperation to advance pistachio cultivation in Georgia, facilitate the transfer of modern agricultural technologies and international experience, and develop a certified nursery production system meeting globally recognised standards. 



During the meeting, Minister Songulashvili highlighted the state agricultural development programmes, including the importance of ensuring farmers' access to high-quality planting material, introducing modern agricultural technologies, and strengthening international cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

  

The discussions also covered future cooperation in knowledge and expertise exchange, enhancement of modern laboratory capabilities, strengthening plant health control systems, and the development of certification mechanisms for planting material.

 

According to the Minister, collaboration with international partners will contribute to the adoption of modern standards, improve access to innovative technologies, and foster knowledge-based development across the agricultural sector in the country.

 

Mr Maher Al-Rwahnih noted that Georgia has significant potential for developing various agricultural industries, particularly perennial crops and modern nursery production. He emphasised that sharing international knowledge and expertise, and implementing advanced standards and technologies, will support the production of high-quality planting material and strengthen the country's agricultural sector.

 

Foundation Plant Services (FPS), based at the University of California, Davis, is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading institutions in the production, certification, diagnostics, and research of healthy, disease-free planting material.

 

The organisation collaborates with public and private sector partners in numerous countries, supporting the development of nursery production, phytosanitary and laboratory systems, while promoting the transfer of modern knowledge and technologies.

 

 
The Georgian Agrarian Union is an organisation dedicated to advancing Georgia's agricultural sector, actively promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical training for farmers, and supporting the cultivation of non-traditional, high-value crops, including pistachios, blueberries, and other berry crops. The organisation works closely with both local and international partners to encourage the development of modern nursery production and innovative agricultural practices in Georgia.

 

The Deputy Minister, Mr Lasha Dolidze, and representatives of the Georgian Agrarian Union attended the meeting.