Since July 2023, with the financial support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened and operated five Farmer Field Schools in Kvesheti, Arakhveti, Bedoni, Benian-Begoni and Jaghmiani villages of Georgia.

Targeted to mainly women dairy farmers, the field schools aim to help them produce high-quality and safe milk and dairy products, by informing them on milk composition, lactation, colostrum, milking intervals, hygienic milk handling and processing, and proper steps of milking procedures. FAO representatives, including veterinarians, have conducted theoretical and practical sessions with dairy producers on improving hygienic conditions, identifying and treating main zoonotic diseases, external and internal parasites and food safety legislation.  Over 65 participants attended dairy training sessions in total.

Additionally, trainees learned how to use California Mastitis Test (CMT) kits to diagnose subclinical cases of mastitis, the most widespread disease in dairy farms. They also received CMT kits and thermometers to measure milk temperature. Being able to diagnose subclinical cases of mastitis in their household will ensure raw milk quality control.

For improving hygiene conditions and decrease chances of spreading diseases in cattle, dairy farmers received record keeping templates and udder care items – post milking disinfectants, reusable cleaning cloths and teat dip cups.

In Georgia, usually “Imeretian Cheese” is produced, so the training on different types of cheese production has been very inspiring and useful for the farmers. For example, the last training held in the Farmer Field School in Jaghmiani on 7 August focused on Grilled Cheese production technology. Importantly, it focused on safety measures and was adapted to easy production at a household level.  After theoretical and practical sessions, participants received pre-milking cups, good quality rennet, gloves, head covers and different types of cheese forms.