"Our Goal Is to Create a Safe Production Environment for Farmers," Says David Songulashvili

A scientific conference titled "Climate Conditions – Challenges in Plant Protection" was held at the initiative of Georgia's National Food Agency, bringing together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss the impact of climate change on plant health and agricultural production.

Opening the conference, David Songulashvili, Georgia's Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change, particularly the increasing spread of plant pests and diseases. He stressed that strengthening an effective phytosanitary system is essential to addressing these emerging challenges.

"Harmful organisms are responsible for the loss of 20–40% of global agricultural production every year, making effective phytosanitary systems more important than ever. Our goal is to create a safe production environment for farmers, ensure that consumers receive safe, high-quality food, and strengthen the credibility of Georgian agri-food products in international markets. This is why the government continues to actively support programmes aimed at improving phytosanitary systems. I am confident that, through close cooperation with our international partners, we will build an even stronger, more modern, and more effective phytosanitary system capable of responding to today's challenges," said David Songulashvili.

During the conference's working sessions, participants discussed the timely implementation of plant protection measures, the efficient and targeted use of pesticides, and strategies for managing phytosanitary risks under changing climate conditions.

The conference also featured expert discussions that identified comprehensive measures to strengthen Georgia's plant protection system and support the sustainable development of the country's agricultural sector in the face of climate-related challenges.

Giorgi Iakobashvili, Head of the National Food Agency, presented the progress of Georgia's state plant protection programmes, reviewed achievements in combating harmful organisms, and outlined the sector's current challenges.

Georgia has been a member of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) since 2007 and joined the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) in 2016, providing the country with access to international phytosanitary standards and supporting their implementation at the national level.

Within the framework of the EU–Georgia Association Agreement, Georgia continues to actively harmonize its phytosanitary legislation with European regulations. Around 80 legislative acts related to plant protection are currently being incorporated into national legislation, strengthening the country's phytosanitary system and facilitating international trade.

The conference was attended by Lasha Avaliani, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, along with representatives of industry associations, scientists, agricultural experts, and farmers.