The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and with the support of the Imereti State Representative Administration and the Kutaisi City Hall, celebrated World Food Day on 16 October in Imereti, in the vicinity of the famous Kutaisi White Bridge.
World Food Day is the anniversary of the founding of FAO, observed each year on a different theme to promote action to fight hunger and ensure healthy diets for all. It is one of the most celebrated days in the UN calendar, marked by about 150 countries annually. This year’s World Food Day theme is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The word “foods” is used to emphasize the importance of a varied, affordable and culturally appropriate diet. Every individual should have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. The right to access food is a basic human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements.
Georgia observed World Food Day with a dedicated agromarket, “Unique Georgian Taste,” organized by FAO as part of the European Union – Sweden-funded ENPARD IV project. Farmers presented local specialties, including dairy products, honey, dried fruit, Georgian bread, and various niche products. Fun activities were planned for children, and an informative Installation was assembled for raising awareness on Food Loss and Waste. The event also featured speeches by representatives from FAO, national and local governments, as well as designation by FAO of a Georgian Food Hero for 2024.
Each year, for every Member Nation, FAO honours Food Heros – persons who make an outstanding contribution to combatting food insecurity or nurturing their local communities and making a positive change — sometimes despite significant challenges. FAO named Lali Turabelidze, a honey producer from the city of Tskaltubo in the Imereti region, its 2024 Food Hero from Georgia. She has been actively participating in different projects and agromarkets organized by FAO and has implemented sustainable agricultural practices.
Speaking at the agromarket, Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia, addressed the urgency of fighting hunger. “Today up to 783 million people face hunger due to conflict, repeated weather shocks, and economic downturns. World Food Day this year calls on everyone for global solidarity to transform agrifood systems to foster inclusive economic growth, address inequalities, increase resilience, and achieve sustainable development. We all have a role to play in ensuring the fundamental right to healthy, nutritious and sustainable food. Only when everyone enjoys the human right to adequate food, will we be able to achieve other human rights and Sustainable Development Goals”.
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Agromarket is implemented by FAO within the European Union and Sweden-funded ENPARD IV project.
BY TEAM GT
