The fourth Unique Georgian Taste agri-market was held in Dedaena Park, Tbilisi, at the beginning of November. The series of farmers’ markets has been implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the support of the European Union (EU).
Participants of the agri-market came from different regions of Georgia and presented their local products. About 50 producers participated in the two-day event, selling Georgian cheese, meat products, honey, wine, tea and other products.
Beneficiaries of the FAO program, which supports dairy women producers and is financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), also took part in the agri-market. All event participants were trained on food safety and business management by FAO. Some of them have also received financial assistance from FAO for equipment or improved premises, through the support of the EU.
The Unique Georgian Taste has demonstrated how agricultural heritage can be preserved and promoted in a socio-economically inclusive manner
To date, the Unique Georgian Taste event series has successfully connected approximately 70 regional producers from Georgia to customers, making them more competitive on the national market. As a result of the training modules, their goods are now produced, packaged, and branded in adherence with international food safety standards.
“The support from FAO and the EU has given me the confidence to keep producing the traditional Georgian wine, which, for me, represents my livelihood and is an inseparable part of my identity. Most importantly, I am glad to have had the opportunity to share the different wines we produce with so many people who have never seen or tasted them before,” says Pridon Sirabidze, Co-founder of Nuri Sirabidze Cellar, agro-market participant, and the producer of wines such as Tsolikauri, Tshkhaveri, and Aladasturi.
Providing a platform for smallholders to build connections with customers has now been proven to be a successful approach
“The Unique Georgian Taste farmers markets are proving to be an interesting model for the development of an agrifood system that is inclusive, diverse, and innovative,” said Javier Sanz Alvarez, FAO-EU Program Coordinator. “Sharing knowledge with farmers from different regions has brought them closer to responding to market demands. Many Georgians are discovering the wealth of local terroir products, and all Georgians should be proud of these rich traditions.”
“Providing a platform for smallholders to build connections with customers has now been proven to be a successful approach. The Unique Georgian Taste has demonstrated how agricultural heritage can be preserved and promoted in a socio-economically inclusive manner, while also raising awareness about food safety standards both among producers and consumers,” stated Georges Dehoux, Program Manager for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Safety at the EU Delegation to Georgia.
Two more Unique Georgian Taste event series are planned in 2022 in Tbilisi. The agri-market is being implemented by FAO and supported by the EU under the EU4Business initiative – EU Innovative Action for Private Sector Competitiveness in Georgia, along with other sponsors. The initiative aims to assist Georgian entrepreneurs to improve the legal environment and access to finance, while strengthening ties with the European Union.
