The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia convened a working meeting with dairy industry representatives and sector specialists to review a new action plan aiming to promote raw milk production and enhance the effective regulation of the dairy market.

"This process is fully transparent. We are open to constructive dialogue to ensure the effective and balanced regulation of the entire value chain, from supply to consumption. We aim to enable consumers to distinguish between products and make informed purchasing decisions clearly. We are not restricting any products; on the contrary, we are strengthening Georgia`s dairy sector and supporting farmers. It is essential to improve both the supply and consumer markets while fostering the growth of farming enterprises. We are increasing state participation, providing greater support to farmers so that small-scale operations can evolve into more advanced, modern farming enterprises", - said the Minister.

As part of the reform, a voluntary quality label (pictogram) will be introduced to identify products made entirely from 100% Georgian raw milk. In addition, products containing vegetable fats will be required to carry clear visual labelling, regardless of whether they are domestically produced or imported. Such products will also be displayed separately within retail outlets.

A key component of the plan is the strengthening of state oversight. The National Food Agency will intensify monitoring across the HoReCa sector, agricultural markets, and distribution networks. Relevant regulations will also be reviewed to prevent the improper use of registration status. At the same time, the government will support the promotion of traditional Georgian dairy products, including cheese and matsoni, through geographical indications and protected designation-of-origin initiatives.

Representatives of the Dairy and Dairy Products Producers Association expressed strong support for the initiative and pledged active participation in its implementation. "We fully support this initiative. We are committed to working together to bring it to a successful conclusion. Strengthening controls across all levels of trade and production is essential to eliminating cases of product adulteration and falsification. At the same time, maintaining balance is equally important; no product that complies with established standards should be disadvantaged. Particular emphasis should be placed on promoting Georgian raw milk and enhancing consumer awareness", - said Association Chairman, Kakha Koniashvili.

The Ministry plans to implement the reform gradually to ensure the effective regulation of both organised retail networks and smaller-scale trading environments. The Deputy Minister, Lasha Avaliani, Head of the National Food Agency, Giorgi Iakobashvili, Director of the State Laboratory of Agriculture, Irakli Guledani, senior officials from relevant departments attended the meeting.