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Representatives of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture were on a study tour in Portugal

Nodar Khatiashvili, Deputy Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, and Giorgi Bezhanishvili, Specialist of the Department of Livestock Breeding and Food Production, together with representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and FAO Georgia, were on a study tour in Portugal.

The study tour was a sharing of Portuguese experience in livestock certification systems, animal traceability, cryopreservation of genetic resources, breeding programs, and conservation of rare local breeds. Special attention was paid to in-vivo and ex-situ conservation practices, which serve to preserve endangered local breeds.

During the visit, the delegation members held meetings at the Portuguese Directorate General of Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV), as well as at the National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research; visited breeding farms and associations; and got acquainted with the work of laboratories on site.

“The experience gained during the study tour in terms of familiarizing oneself with Portuguese policy, legislation, and practical approaches to livestock management proved to be particularly valuable. Emphasis was placed on modern systems of animal certification, traceability and breeding activities. The knowledge gained will contribute to the gradual introduction of an animal certification system in Georgia, which will ensure the protection of local breeds, effective management of breeding activities, and strengthening the capabilities of farmers,” said Nodar Khatiashvili, Deputy Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

The visit was carried out within the framework of the project "Development of Farm Management Systems in Georgia", which is implemented in collaboration with the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project aims to develop an animal certification system, effectively manage breeding activities and protect local genetic resources in Georgia.