Davit Songhulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, met with representatives of dairy cattle farms and sector specialists. The Ministry of Agriculture has released information about the meeting.

According to the Ministry, the Minister briefed participants on planned changes to support the production and processing of raw milk. These include the introduction of a special quality mark for products made from Georgian raw milk, clear labelling of products containing vegetable fat, and the separate placement of such products in retail outlets. The plans also provide for tighter state control and support for traditional Georgian dairy products.

“We are working hard to stimulate supply and demand and to introduce modern standards. A new requirement is coming into force under which products containing vegetable fat can no longer be sold under the dairy product name. At the same time, we are working on introducing special labelling for products made from Georgian raw milk. Regarding support for farmers, the new agro-co-financing programme includes significant benefits for the dairy sector, though access to state funding will be conditional on compliance with modern production standards. Our goal is to increase the production of high-quality Georgian milk and boost the sector’s competitiveness,” said Davit Songhulashvili.

The planned mechanisms are expected to offer consumers greater transparency over product origins and ensure a level playing field. Additionally, the meeting also addressed challenges facing the livestock sector, prospects for the industry’s development, and supportive measures planned by the state.

“The initiatives presented by the Ministry are an important step for the development of the sector. In recent years, the rising global cost of cattle has made it more difficult to bring high-yield cattle into Georgia and to expand farms, which has also affected raw milk production. That is why the state’s new programme, which provides co-financing for both farm construction and the purchase of cattle, is very welcome. This will help boost the production of quality raw milk and gradually replace imported products. It is also important to introduce a special mark for products made from Georgian raw milk, which will help consumers make informed choices. This will increase local production and employment and will have a positive impact on the sector,” said Nikoloz Beniaidze, Chairman of the Dairy Products Producers Association.

The meeting with livestock sector representatives was convened as part of the sectoral council. These sessions are held monthly, overseen by a deputy minister, and quarterly under the minister’s leadership. This structure ensures ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders, addresses farmers’ needs more effectively, and allows for the strategic planning of initiatives to drive sector growth.

Lasha Dolidze and Lasha Avaliani, Deputy Ministers of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, as well as heads of the relevant agencies within the Ministry’s system, attended the meeting.