Georgia: The Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture Otar Shamugia met with heads of regional services of the National Food Agency (NFA). At the meeting, the Minister focused on the importance of the effectiveness of the National Food Agency in the process of approaching the European Union.
Most of the commitments made under the agreement on a deep and comprehensive trade area with the EU are related to the activities of the National Food Agency. “On the way to approach the EU, it is important to strengthen the effectiveness of the National Food Agency and, at the same time, help the business sector meet new demands, which will contribute both the process of approaching EU legislation, as well as development and strengthening of the country,” said Minister Otar Shamugia.
The minister heard from the heads of regional services about food safety, veterinary and plant protection priorities, job needs, and challenges in the regions.
As noted at the meeting, as a result of the implementation of modern methods of food safety control and strengthening the capacity of the agency, in 2023 the percentage of food violations has been reduced; drinking water quality in the regions remains a challenge; inadequate knowledge of the population for effective use of agrochemicals and pesticides.
The head of the National Food Agency Zurab Chekurashvili thanked the regional services for their hard work. According to the agency’s chief, in 2024 the agency will continue active communication with the business sector to address new legislative requirements and modern standards.
Within the framework of state control, special attention will be paid to controlling drinking water quality in preschool institutions and regions; in the direction of plant protection, as in the past year, the control of agrochemicals and pesticides implementation facilities will be given priority; information meetings with farmers against agricultural pestilence will be actively continued Diego about events; and in the field of veterinary special attention will be paid to control mechanisms of dangerous infectious diseases Strengthening and increasing population involvement in animal vaccination process.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture and was attended by Deputy Minister Kakha Kakabadze, Deputy Head of the National Food Agency Giorgi Iakobashvili, Mukhran Shamatava and Heads of Tbilisi and Regional Services.
The Minister will hold meetings step by step with heads of regional services of agencies included in the ministry’s system.
