Kick-off SQIL Georgia GEOGAP improving food safety and food quality (GFP-2020-PROC-0029)

We have started the Land O’Lakes Venture37 Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) project!

We took off with the online training for GeoGAP Dairy and Beef, with employees from Land O’Lakes Venture 37, the Georgian Farmers’ Association, Georgian Dairy and Dairy Georgia.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT?

1. Increase the capacity of the Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA) and possible additional industry associations to provide GeoGAP coaching and advisory services to farmers.
2. Determine the roles and responsibilities of the Georgian Farmers’ Association and other industry associations in the provision of these services.
3. Update the existing GeoGAP standard for dairy and beef based on the GLOBALG.A.P. checklists and CPCCs with included relevant Georgian national regulations (if applicable).
4. Build the capacity of certification bodies to certify farmers in GeoGAP.
5. Train GFA and affiliated personnel in GLOBALG.A.P. and GeoGAP for dairy and capacity building at the certification body.

WHAT IS THE END GOAL OF THIS PROJECT?

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is leading an innovative, demand-driven Food for Progress Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) project. The aim is to improve food safety and food quality in the dairy and beef value chains in the Republic of Georgia.

As a result this will reduce losses and improve food safety and food quality. Competitiveness, productivity and trade within the Georgian dairy and beef market systems are thereby stimulated.

HOW DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS?

SQIL is implemented through targeted facilitating interventions that identify entrepreneurs willing to become more competitive within the dairy and beef market systems. SQIL initiatives also reflect a willingness to increase opportunities for women and young people. Improved resilience to climate change is also a point of attention.