To mark the International Day of Rural Women, 50 women dairy farmers from Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti were trained on the latest trends, demand, and opportunities in the Georgian HoReCa sector with renowned restaurateur Luka Nachkhebia at Zugdidi’s Technopark.
The two-day interactive series of educational activities and field visits was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Mr. Nachkhebia’s masterclass combined lectures on HoReCa partnerships, quality standards, and branding with practical exercises where farmers pitched their products for expert feedback. It concluded with a product exhibition, photo showcase, and networking lunch, highlighting the farmers’ achievements and fostering new connections.
On the second day, women farmers received on-site coaching directly within their production facilities, focusing on hygiene, quality, and market readiness. Field visits to FAO-supported farms in Tsalenjikha and Martvili offered tailored guidance and reinforced peer learning, further strengthening farmers’ technical and marketing skills. These activities enhanced participants’ capacity to improve product quality, standardization, and market presentation, boosting their competitiveness in the HoReCa sector.
Along with celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, the two-day educational exchange was organized as part of an ongoing World Food Day campaign marking FAO’s 80th Anniversary.
“Women are the backbone of agriculture in Samegrelo. Together with SDC, we have trained hundreds of rural women in cheese production in the last years, trying to increase the quality, quantity and food safety standards of local produce,” said Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO Program Coordinator. “On the International Day of Rural Women, and as we mark FAO’s 80th Anniversary, we celebrate the progress we have achieved while reconfirming our commitment to empowering women in the agriculture sector. The achievements of women involved in this project truly highlight how many rural women only need to be given an opportunity to make a difference in their local production.”
“Through our impactful partnership with FAO, we are proud to support women farmers in Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti as they strengthen their skills, expand market opportunities, and build more resilient livelihoods,” said Barbara Boni, Regional Director of SDC. “Investing in rural women is investing in stronger communities and sustainable development, and we remain committed to accompanying them on this journey.”
FAO in Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti, with the support of SDC, continues to empower women farmers through expanding Farmer Field Schools across the region, providing practical knowledge, technical skills, and improved market access. By promoting financial inclusion, and peer learning, these efforts strengthen women’s livelihoods while building more resilient and sustainable communities. Through targeted investments, FAO and SDC reaffirm their commitment to advancing gender equality, rural development, and a food-secure future for all.
By Team GT
