Food and Agriculture Organization has completed a six-day Training of Trainers programme in Georgia aimed at strengthening the country’s wine sector competitiveness, with support from the European Union and Sweden through ENPARD IV.
The training, led by FAO international expert Julio Prieto Diaz, focused on integrated vineyard management and combined online learning with intensive field sessions in Tbilisi, Kakheti and Mtskheta-Mtianeti.
Eighteen Georgian specialists took part in the programme, which covered green pruning, irrigation, fertigation and soil assessment techniques, including soil profile evaluation and analysis of soil characteristics.
Participants are expected to pass on their skills to other viticulturists, expanding knowledge across the sector and supporting longer-term sustainability.
“Competitiveness of Georgia’s wine sector starts at the vineyard level,” said Guido Agostinucci. “Good agricultural practices, ecosystem services, and food safety are key factors for the realisation of the sector’s immense potential while safeguarding the environment.”
He added that training initiatives, including pruning festivals and knowledge-sharing activities, aim to link Georgia’s agricultural heritage with modern vineyard management practices.
European Union Delegation to Georgia Programme Officer for Sustainable Food Systems Denis Reiss said sustainable vineyard practices are key to improving wine quality and market performance in the EU.
He noted that FAO’s expertise helps address phytosanitary challenges and protect the “genuine character” of Georgian wines.
The Training of Trainers initiative is part of broader FAO learning programmes supporting hundreds of wine sector representatives in Georgia.
