On the 6^th June, 2017, Biological Production Association “Elkana” with support of OXFAM, organized  The Third Congress of Georgian Farmers. Among the invited guests were the Head of Agrarian Committee in the Parliament Otar Danelia, the Minister of Agriculture Levan Davitashvili, Deputy Minister Giorgi Khanishvili, representative of the Agency for development of agricultural cooperatives – Giorgi Misheladze, OXFAM representative in Georgia Levan Dadiani, Georgian Farmers’ Association President – Nino Zambakhidze and farmers from different parts of Georgia. From GAAS, active participation in the work of the Congress took A. Giorgadze, Deputy President, and the learned secretaries of the Academy Revaz Lolishvili and Marina Barvenashvili.

The Congress was opened by the Director of “Elkana” Mariam Jorjadze who spoke about the significance of the Congress in the development of farming industry in Georgia. Levan Davitashvili’s speech was focused on the role of export of Georgian agricultural product and raising competitiveness in international market. Rusudan Tabukashvili’s speech on the further plans of the Association was supported by video materials which highlighted the achievements and evaluations of the previous Congress.

Particular attention during the Congress was paid to the ways of problem management and the Minister answered the farmers’ questions.

The Congress was closed by Mariam Jorjadze who assured that they would be actively involved in solution of the problems the farmers face in implementation of bio-production.

    On May 19, 2017, Danish Professor, Copenhagen University, the Head of laboratory of Clinical Bio –chemical Department and Vice-president of Nutritious Council Sten Stender delivered a lecture at GAAS :  Industrially produced trans-fats harmful affect on cardio-vascular system and trans-fats in a popular products  – time to protect population”.   

The meeting was directed by the Head of Food Safety Department of GAAS Acad. Zurab Tskitishvili and attended by the researchers, professors, MA and doctorate students, and others who take interest in the problems presented by Danish scholar.

The Lecture – Seminar was recorded and was transmitted by the following television channels: TV – 1, Saperavi TV, and Pulse. 

 Important discussion was held around the problem raised in the presentation of Danish Stender, in the result of which the Academy  by initiative of  Acad. Z. Tskitishvili prepared official letter for Georgian government in which a scientifically proven conclusions and valuable recommendations  regarding the norms which should be considered by producers was stipulated. Based on this letter, a resolution #262 was issued which aimed to define the norm of industrial Trans- fats in product:

-It should not exceed 2 gr. per 100 vegetable fat; 

- The food produced for babies and children should not include trans- fats. 

The Decision will come into forth since August 1, 2017. 

 On May 23, 2017, a scientific expedition was organized by GAAS to the following agricultural production farms, Ltd. Margebeli, Ltd. Lasharela, Ltd. Lomtagora, and kumisi Paultry Production Enterprise . The members of the members of Scientific Board of cattle breeding, veterinary, and food production at the Academy took part in the expedition, alongside with national coordinators of this branch.

Ltd. Margebeli which is cattle breeding complex was discussed in the speech of G. Gogolashvili and G. Beghelauri. The zoo technicians were given recommendations how to improve productivity and achieve higher standards.In Ltd. Lomtagora the  meeting attended local farmers and specialists. Prof. Beghelauri, Acad. Gugushvili and R. Kikvadze shared with their  important experience in this sphere.

   Proffessors A. Bokuchava and Tatarashvili made presentations in  kumisi Paultry Production Enterprise about existed  problems in poultry raising in Georgia and talked about the ways of solution. 

The results of the expedition was summarized by academician  E. Gugushvili who talked about the significance of the measures carried out in this direction and expressed his wish to continue such meetings because they are important for all who benefit from exchange of knowledge and experience, also this kinds of meetings will support the further expansion of integration between science and production field.  

Academician Elguja Shapakidze – 75

On May 20, 2017, the Academy congratulated its real member, academician Elguja Shapakidze with his 75 –year jubilee and wished him a many –year successful scientific and pedagogical work.