Nino Tsilosani, Head of the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia, Kapiton Zhorzholiani, the Mayor of Mestia, the representative of the UN Women and other partner organizations opened the celebration of the World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women on 16-17 October in Mestia, Svaneti, Georgia.

The event was highlighted by the agricultural market where farmers exhibited products, such as dairy, honey, wine, and dried fruits, and cooked dishes with Georgian pulses. In partnership with the Biological Farming Association Elkana, the event also hosted the bread and wheat exhibition where old Georgian wheat varieties and traditional Georgian bread baking were showcased. It continued with the panel discussion about the challenges of entrepreneur women from rural areas and the workshop about food safety.

The event was supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

"World Food Day is a highly significant day in the FAO calendar. With this day, the United Nations reminds the world that no one should be left behind, particularly, when we face ongoing crises. Today 3.1 billion people around the world still cannot afford a healthy diet. Hunger continues to rise and it affected up to 828 million people last year. World Food Day this year calls on everyone for global solidarity to transform agri-food systems to foster inclusive economic growth, address inequalities, increase resilience, and achieve sustainable development. 

“The current crisis the world faces due to the war in Ukraine makes it important to give a spotlight to empower local farmers and women entrepreneurs and to see their great contribution to food security, but also aware of their challenges to achieve better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life,” said Raimund Jehle, FAO Representative in Georgia.

"The goals of the United Nations have always united the different countries of the world around the right principles and values. Now we united to mark the World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women. With joint efforts, we have increased the involvement of women in agriculture sector. However, the bigger goals to empower women and leave no one behind from the healthy food remains to be reached. Let’s work for the common goals together,” said Nino Tsilosani, Head of the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia.

The 16-17 October event in Mestia was also attended by partner organizations as well as the FAO and UN Women project beneficiary farmers; entrepreneurs and other invited guests. 

FAO marks the World Food Day on October 16 and every year it is celebrated in up to 150 countries. 2022 finds the world with an ongoing pandemic, conflict, climate change, rising prices, and international tensions. It all affects global food security. Today, 80% of those in poverty live in rural areas and rely on natural resources and agriculture for their livelihoods. Natural and man-made disasters affect them the most, as well as ongoing crises. FAO calls on building a sustainable world where everyone, everywhere has regular access to enough nutritious food. This year, the UN reminds the world to #LeaveNOONEBehind and contribute to better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life.

The International Day of Rural Women is marked by United Nations on October 15 every year to recognize and raise awareness about the crucial role that women play in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing. Women represent a substantial agricultural labor force. They make significant contributions to agricultural production, food security and nutrition, land and natural resource management, and building climate resilience. However, their labor is often invisible and unpaid.

Kaori Ishikawa, the UN Women representative to Georgia commented: "Women living in rural areas make up a quarter of the world's population. Women cultivate the land, ensure food security for their communities and create climate resilience. However, when it comes to land ownership, access to agricultural resources, technology, and financing climate resilience, they are left far behind men.  

“A large number of women living in rural areas live below the poverty threshold, and their significant contribution to the country's economy and public life remains practically unnoticed. The International Day of Rural Women reminds the public how valuable their work is and encourages them to recognize it.”

This year’s joint celebration of World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women in Mestia aimed at supporting farmers and small entrepreneurs, promoting niche products, supporting women entrepreneurs living in rural areas, and raising awareness about their work.