The Georgian hazelnut sector benefited from another training session focused on food safety. On this occasion, the thematic focus was on pre-, inter- and post-harvest operations. The knowledge-exchange meetings were organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with AgriGeorgia (Ferrero’s hazelnut company), with the financial support of the European Union (EU) and Sweden, under ENPARD IV. 

The training aimed at supporting the Georgian hazelnut sector in ensuring increased competitiveness on international markets by implementing advanced food safety measures in primary production and processing of hazelnuts. The educational sessions covered two key regions for hazelnut production: Kakheti and Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti.

Participants were introduced to fundamental topics required to ensure optimal quality and safety of harvested hazelnuts. The training sessions covered the following main themes: 

• Use of machinery in mechanical harvesting.
• Advantages and limitations of mechanical methods compared to traditional manual harvesting.
• Appropriate post-harvest handling, including best practices for de-husking, cleaning, and drying hazelnuts.
• Correct practices for storing hazelnuts safely and efficiently.
• Prevention of Aflatoxin incidence throughout all operations during and after harvest at a farm level.

The training sessions were led by FAO’s International Expert, Matteo Giaccone, and attended by 100 representatives of the Georgian hazelnut sector. Many of them will have the opportunity to attend another training event organised by AgriGeorgia (Ferrero’s hazelnut company), in partnership with FAO, under the EU- and Sweden-funded ENPARD IV. Focusing on improving hazelnut food safety and Aflatoxin prevention, the educational session will be offered to hazelnut collectors, processors, and exporters.  

“Improving food safety standards in hazelnut production leads to improved competitiveness of the Georgian hazelnut sector on both national markets as well as international markets, in particular those in the EU. Together with AgriGeorgia, under ENPARD IV and thanks to the EU and Sweden, FAO is covering several key aspects of food safety in hazelnut production – from orchard management to harvesting and storage practices. Applying the skills and knowledge gained during the training series will undoubtedly result in higher-quality hazelnuts, thus leading to increased competitiveness and economic gain for Georgia,” says Guido Agostinucci, FAO Programme Manager.

“The European Union commends the FAO and stakeholders of the Georgian hazelnut value chain for providing concrete, sustainable alternatives to conventional hazelnut production. These practices aim to promote proper handling to ensure consumer safety. This strategic approach is also essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Georgian hazelnuts in the EU and other international markets. The educational series, co-organised by the FAO and value chain partners, lays a strong foundation for improving the quality of Georgian hazelnuts by investing in sustainable best practices and in the future of Georgian agriculture,” says Denis Reiss, Programme Officer for Sustainable Food Systems at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

Beyond food safety training modules, FAO and AgriGeorgia (Ferrero’s hazelnut company) are planning to co-organise a Machinery Demonstration Day (Demo Day) for the Hazelnut Sector in July 2025. Implemented under ENPARD IV of the EU and Sweden, the event will bring together importers of agricultural machinery and farmers. The ultimate objective of Demo Day is to foster new connections and knowledge exchange and allow first-hand experience on the use of modern equipment for farmers’ enhanced productivity, efficiency, use of innovative solutions, and adoption of food safety standards.

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About the European Union

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/

About ENPARD

The European Union supports rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Programme. Aiming to reduce rural poverty, ENPARD has been implemented since 2013. The Programme started by supporting the development of national agriculture potential. Subsequently, it also concentrated on creating economic opportunities for rural populations in Georgia. Since 2021, the Programme has also been working on improving food safety in the country, with additional support from Sweden and with FAO and the Czech Development Agency as the main implementers of this food safety component under ENPARD IV.