Research presentation - value chain of fruit and vegetable processing sector in Georgia

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An online presentation of the "Value chain of the fruit and vegetable processing sector in Georgia" study was organized by the Association of Employers of Georgia, which was attended by representatives of the private sector, government and international organizations. Companies representing the fruit and vegetable processing sector, as well as state and international organizations participated in the study, which was carried out by the employers' association with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The research report addressed the challenges in the sector, which were identified in the following components: Delivery phase: such as appropriate mechanization, infrastructure, working conditions, informal labor relations, etc. Lack of; processing stage: such as weak technical capacity, lack of access to finance, weak industrial knowledge, lack of procurement skills, insufficient human capital, etc. Demand stage: such as logistics – customer-related procedures, port and proper infrastructure, transportation-related delay, etc. As a result of the said research, recommendations have been received, among which the following are particularly significant: Development of an integrated strategy to promote the value chain in Georgia; modernization of educational programs and relevant university curricula (certification of farmers, twinning, services, increasing opportunities, etc.); social reform to improve working conditions; improvement of the quality of physical infrastructure, certification, legal framework and international Accreditation, etc. It should be noted that along with the above-mentioned issues, the research sector is characterized by lack of access to finance and dialogue between stakeholders. Accordingly, the Georgian Employers' Association (GEA) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) plan to advocate reform, implement an integrated strategy and educational reforms.