Stöd till livsmedelssäkerhet och SPS i Georgien inom ramen för ENPARD IV

Outcome 1: Regulatory Framework and Capacity Building 1. The FAO project team completed a report on the effectiveness of the current food safety enforcement mechanism 2. Four components of the Food Control System Assessment were completed. 3. CzDA organized 16 awareness-raising meetings with FBOs in the HORECA sector, reaching 410 FBOs across four regions, focusing on food safety requirements, such as HACCP. Outcome 2: Extension Activities and Value Chains 1. Three commercial model farms were established to showcase Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). 2. In the dairy value chain, 55 new Farmer Field Schools (FFS) were created, and 122 training sessions were conducted, engaging 1,471 dairy farmers. 3. Seven new FBOs in the meat sector and 11 in the dairy sector were trained. Additionally, 606 floor staff completed GHP and GSP modules, and 88 mid-management personnel completed HACCP training. Outcome 3: Agri-Food Sector Development 1. A 3-day Agri-Food Laboratories Coordination Meeting was organized by CzDA, presenting results from a Needs Assessment of Agri-Food Labs. 2. The project organized one "Unique Georgian Taste" agromarket during the Europe Day in May 2024, showcasing products from 61 small to medium-sized producers. 3. Six training sessions on HACCP systems were conducted for 104 small and medium wineries, covering hazard identification, documentation, and implementation. Food Control System: Advanced the assessment of food safety enforcement documents and initiated the assessment of the food control system. Trained selected focal points from competent authorities responsible for coordinating the assessment framework. Raising Awareness: Worked on the preparation of a consumer-focused nationwide awareness-raising campaign. Conducted pilot training sessions for youth in Lagodekhi, Akhmeta, and Kvareli municipalities on food handling, food waste, and pesticides. Outcome 2: Support to Producers and FBOs The project conducted needs assessment meetings and implemented training for 1,664 farmers during the reporting period, reaching a total of 2,256 trained beneficiaries since the project's inception, meeting 90% of the indicator's objectives. Key Results: - Established six commercial model farms showcasing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). - Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). - Provided training for 730 primary producers in the vegetable value chain on safe and effective pesticide use, safe composting, and nitrates through 59 trainings. - Established 39 Farmer Field Schools in the dairy value chain, fostering capacity building for 765 dairy farmers on milk handling, hygiene, animal health, and welfare. - Conducted beekeeping trainings for 77 farmers, distributing pertinent equipment to promote safe and sustainable beekeeping practices. Focused efforts on commercial apple production in Gori, training 70 apple producers. - Provided training to 55 staff from wineries on sustainable wine production and crop management. - Provided training to 78 representatives from the private sector and input suppliers, enhancing their understanding of SPS topics. Key Results: - Commissioned an international consultant to study the current model of export certificate issuance and propose improvements. - Supported key stakeholders in the development of the "Georgian Food/Agri Laboratory Development Concept

The intervention is expected to achieve the following: 1) Increased quality and coverage of inspections and controls and effective enforcement of approximated legislation in food safety 2) Increased compliance by producers and food business operators with the new SPS/food safety regulations entering into force through support packages 3) Improved export opportunities for Georgia through better SPS and food safety systems under the DCFTA, approximated with EU standards