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With the support of FAO, the process of establishing an animal genetic bank and introducing breeding activities is underway intensively

Within the framework of the joint project “Development of Farm Management Systems in Georgia” of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Portuguese expert, animal genetic resources management specialist Pedro Vieira, paid a working visit.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the current state of animal genetic resources in Georgia, familiarize with databases, and support the process of establishing a genetic bank system at the national level.

The meeting held at the Scientific-Research Center was attended by the heads of the Center, specialists from the Research Department of Animal Breeding and Food Production, as well as representatives of the relevant departments of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

The Portuguese expert familiarized himself with the registry databases and data platforms created by the Center and received information about ongoing and planned research. The invited expert and the FAO Georgia team were presented with detailed information on animals, poultry, agricultural beneficial insects and other local breeds distributed in Georgia.

The meeting developed recommendations for optimizing digital archives and structured accounting of genetic resources. Special attention was paid to integrated database management and standards for collecting genetic information at the farm level.

As part of the ongoing activities, the working group visited the Dmanisi Municipality, the village of Gantiadi, the Experimental Breeding Station of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, and the farm under the center in the village of Gomareti.

At the end of the visit, the expert presented a report to the Scientific-Research Center. According to his assessment, Georgia has significant resources that can contribute to the effective protection and use of genetic heritage, and he emphasized the importance of further partnership and continued technical support.

LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, in collaboration with FAO and international experts, continues to work intensively to strengthen the sustainable management and conservation of animal genetic resources at the national level, which will serve as the basis for the introduction of breeding activities in the country.