The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, met with the representatives of large-scale dairy cattle farms and sector experts.

The Minister presented the participants with planned regulatory changes to support raw milk production and processing. These measures include the introduction of a special quality label for products made from Georgian raw milk, clearer labeling of products containing vegetable fats, and separate placement in retail outlets. In addition, the reforms envisage stricter state control and enhanced promotion of traditional Georgian dairy products.

"We are actively working on stimulating supply and demand while adopting modern standards. The requirement envisages that the products containing vegetable fats may no longer be sold under dairy product names. At the same time, we are working on introducing special labeling for products made from Georgian raw milk. Considering the measures aimed at supporting farmers, the new agro co-financing program introduces substantial benefits for the dairy sector.

However, eligibility for state co-financing will be conditional on compliance with modern production standards.s. We aim to increase the production of high-quality Georgian milk and strengthen sectoral competitiveness", - said David Songulashvili.

As mentioned, the planned mechanisms will provide consumers with clearer information about product origin and strengthen fair competition in the market.

The parties also addressed existing challenges in the livestock sector, development prospects, and planned state support measures.

"The initiatives presented by the Ministry represent an important step in the development of the sector. In recent years, the global rise in livestock prices has made it increasingly difficult to import high-yield cattle and expand farms in Georgia, thereby affecting raw milk production.

In this context, we welcome the new state program, which provides co-financing for farm construction and livestock procurement. The program is expected to contribute to increased production of high-quality raw milk and the gradual substitution of imported products with locally produced alternatives. It is also essential to introduce a special label for products made from Georgian raw milk, enabling consumers to make more informed choices. This, in turn, will support the growth of local production and employment and have a positive impact on the sector", - said Nikoloz Beniadze, Chairman of Dairy Producers Association.

Notably, the meeting with representatives of the livestock sector was held within the framework of the sectoral council. Council sessions are held monthly under the coordination of the Deputy Minister, while quarterly meetings are conducted under the leadership of the Minister. This format ensures active communication with sector representatives, better consideration of farmers` needs, and more effective planning of development-oriented projects.