Regions and people for food safety: An EU-endorsed awareness initiative (Georgia)

The project is being implemented by current EHPMI member Consortium Civil Society Organization Eco Life and Eco Life Consulting Co supported by the Czech Development Agency through the European Union under the ENPARD IV program
Project dates: 2024–2025 (November 20, 2024 to March 20 2025)
Project implementers: Consortium Civil Society Organization Eco Life and Eco Life Consulting Co, Czech Development Agency

The “Regions and People for Food Safety” initiative, supported by the European Union, is dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening the capacity of regional civil society organizations (CSOs) and schools in Georgia to improve food safety practices.

The initiative is part of the broader ENPARD IV program, funded by the EU and Sweden, and co-financed by the Czech Development Agency (CzDA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This collaborative effort between international partners, local organizations, and educators underscores a shared commitment to better food safety, stronger consumer rights, and a healthier future for Georgia.

Food safety is a critical issue affecting public health, consumer protection, and overall well-being. Ensuring that communities, educators, and local organizations understand and implement food safety standards is vital to safeguarding the population and building a healthier future.

Goal Statement:

Enhance food safety awareness and empower civil society organizations and educators in Georgia by providing knowledge, training, and resources to promote safe food practices and consumer rights.

Project Objectives:

• Strengthen the capacity of regional CSOs and educators through targeted training sessions and workshops on food safety regulations, consumer rights, and the role of modern technology in food safety.
• Equip key stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills by implementing a Training of Trainers (ToT) program, enabling them to spread food safety messages effectively.
• Increase awareness of food safety challenges by organizing specialized training on public health, global food safety challenges, and the impact of modern technologies.
• Support local initiatives through micro-grants, allowing selected CSOs to implement community-based projects focused on spreading food safety information across Georgia.
• Incorporate food safety education into schools by developing and distributing educational materials for students in grades 7-12 and training teachers to conduct interactive workshops on food safety awareness.

Over the course of the project, trained CSOs conducted online campaigns and organized on-site meetings in various regions of Georgia to ensure that food safety information reached a wider audience.