The Georgian Meat Producers’ Association (GMPA) was established on July 10 under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) project.
The association brings together meat producers, importers, retail chain representatives, slaughterhouses, and public and private sector stakeholders.
During the founding meeting, participants reviewed organizational and membership models before agreeing on a structure intended to support the long-term development of Georgia’s meat sector.
The GMPA aims to strengthen cooperation between producers, consumers, government agencies, and international partners while promoting food safety, product traceability, and compliance with international standards. The association also plans to work with state and international organizations on sector policies and legislation and help members access financing, investment projects, and support programs.
“The sector is quite fragmented, which is why our objective is to consolidate stakeholders around their shared interests,” said Mikheil Sokhadze, FAO Project Manager. “The association will help develop joint action plans, address existing challenges, and assist the government in identifying and responding to issues within the meat sector.”
Sokhadze said the association’s structure was developed using examples from European Union countries and is expected to support the organization’s future development.
The NAITS project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in cooperation with Georgia’s National Food Agency, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) as part of International Partnerships Austria.
