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Levan Ujmajuridze participated in a plenary discussion held within the framework of the FAO Global Exhibition

Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture and National Coordinator of Plant Genetic Resources, attended the global exhibition “Seed for Food” held in Rome by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

During the plenary discussion held within the framework of the exhibition, Levan Ujmajuridze made a presentation and introduced the main areas of activity of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture of Georgia to the exhibition participants. The Director of the Scientific-Research Center provided the audience with information on the current state of the country's plant genetic resources protection and collections (in situ, ex situ, on-farm, in vitro), as well as on the importance of storing Georgian cereal crop samples in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and on existing and future cooperation with national and international institutions, including FAO, Crop Trust, NordGen and other partner organizations.

The plenary discussion was attended by: FAO Deputy Director-General Viorel Gutsu, International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGRFA) Secretary Kent Nnadozie and Executive Director of the Crop Trust Stefan Schmitz. During the discussion, Levan Ujmajuridze focused on the need to protect the genetic heritage of traditional plant crops in Georgia - especially the importance of primary seed production, living collections and seed conservation, which are an integral part of the Georgian Genebank development strategy and the protection of national identity.

He also highlighted the role of international organizations: FAO, the International Benefit-Sharing Fund (BSF), and NordGen, which helped ensure that the seed deposit submitted by Georgia to Svalbard fully complied with international technical requirements and standards.

At the end of the discussion, Levan Ujmajuridze presented information on the project to build and organize a new national seed genetic bank, which is planned to be implemented from 2026. This project is a strategic step for Georgia, which will significantly strengthen the protection of the country's biodiversity and its integration into global initiatives.