David Songulashvili: “We aim to support the development of a modern and competitive agricultural sector in Georgia”

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, visited the Swiss Agricultural School “Caucasus” in the village of Sarkineti, Dmanisi Municipality, where he became familiar with the institution’s activities, educational process, and production facilities.

The Minister inspected the school’s infrastructure, livestock farm, and dairy processing facility. Representatives of the school briefed Mr Songulashvili on the vocational education programs offered by the institution, opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, and plans for the further development of its production.

“In addition to classroom-based learning, students at the agricultural school gain valuable hands-on experience through practical training on the farm and at the dairy processing facility.This approach helps promote vocational education and create new opportunities for young people in the agricultural sector. Our goal is to support the development of a modern and competitive agricultural sector in Georgia, strengthen local production, and ensure that young people have access to high-quality vocational education and the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they acquire in their own country,” said Mr David Songulashvili.

The Swiss Agricultural School “Caucasus” was established on the initiative of Mikho Svimonishvili as part of the partnership between Georgia and Switzerland. During the establishment of the school, educational programs were developed in cooperation with Plantahof, one of Switzerland’s leading agricultural schools. The practical training component was also designed, and teachers underwent professional training.

The school welcomed its first students in 2021. Since that year, the institution has been officially authorised and has offered vocational programs in “Farming” and “Dairy Product Production.” The educational process combines theoretical instruction with practical training. 

The school operates a livestock farm and a dairy processing facility, where cheese and other dairy products are produced using Swiss technology. The facility’s products are sold on the Georgian market and are also exported.

The Kvemo Kartli State Representative, Mr Ilia Jalaghaniya; Deputies of the Minister, Mr Giorgi Tskrialashvili and Mr Lasha Avaliani; Head of the National Food Agency, Mr Giorgi Iakobashvili; and Dmanisi Municipality Mayor, Mr Koba Muradashvili, accompanied the Minister.