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The Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture participated in a seminar held within the framework of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGRFA)

On November 5-7 of this year, a workshop was held in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGRFA), with the participation of representatives of countries from the Balkans, Central Asia and the Caucasus region.

It is noteworthy that Georgia has been a member of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGRFA) since 2019.

The seminar was attended by Levan Ujmajuridze, Director of the LEPL Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, National Coordinator of Plant Genetic Resources, National Contact Person of ITPGRFA, and Tamar Jinjikhadze, Manager of the Genetic Bank.

Levan Ujmajuridze presented Georgia's experience in the implementation of the international agreement to the participants; reviewed the stages of ratification, the main challenges related to the search, protection, conservation and dissemination of plant genetic resources and the adaptation of varieties to climate change. He focused on the need to increase seed production in the country and the importance of state involvement in it; spoke about the challenges, achievements, and essential needs, which are a prerequisite for raising awareness, strengthening cooperation, and sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Tamar Jinjikhadze made a presentation at the seminar within the framework of the ongoing FAO/BSF project – “Strengthening the links between in-situ, on-farm and ex-situ forms of conservation”, which is implemented by the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture of Georgia. Her report covered the progress of the project, achieved results and future cooperation plans.

The 11th session of the Governing Body of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources will be held in Lima, the capital of Peru, at the end of November this year, where Georgia will also participate.