(Georgia), 15/10/2023
World Food Day 2023 will take place in Zugdidi, Georgia. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Agrarian Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and the City Hall of Zugdidi Municipality will mark this day together with FAO partners – the European Union in Georgia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Various activities will gather wide public at the nineteenth century historical estate – Historical-architectural Museum of Dadiani Palaces. Official remarks will be made by the FAO Representative in Georgia, Mr. Raimun Jehle, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Otar Shamugia, Chair of the Agrarian Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, Ms. Nino Tsilosani, Regional Director of Cooperation South Caucasus, Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia, Ms. Barbara Böni, Programme Manager for Emergency Management, Civil Protection, Rural Development, and Intellectual Property Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Ms. Ketevan Khutsishvili and Zugdidi Mayor, Mr. Mamuka Tsotseria. The Food Hero 2023, from Georgia, Mr. Avtandil Marakvelidze will speak about his experience in the process of transformation from the traditional farming to the sustainable agricultural practices with support of FAO and benefits of having the drip irrigation system, mulching and drainage holes in the farm. Short documentary will showcase Avtandil Marakvelidze’s farm and the FAO Representative to Georgia, Mr. Raimund Jehle will award the Food Hero with the certificate for successful implementation of the sustainable agricultural practices. Other than that, the Courtyard of the estate will host the agrarian exhibition and market, where beneficiaries of FAO and Rural Development Agency of Georgia will present locally produced dairy products, honey, nuts, and etc. Special spot will be dedicated to the Georgian wheat and bread and there will be a special corner dedicated to raising awareness about food waste reduction and donation. Elarji (Megrelian dish prepared with sulguni (mozzarella kind of a Georgian cheese) and corn wheat) making masterclass, fun educational activities for children on the topic of water and folk concert will make the occasion special joy for the public.