Presentation of the book published within the framework of the international project on short food supply chains held at GTU

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies of Georgian Technical University hosted the presentation of the book “Success Strategies in Short Food Supply Chains: Case Studies from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia”

The publication was prepared within the framework of an international project supported by the International Visegrad Fund. The project, “Family Farms in Short Food Supply Chains: Experience Transfer from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland,” aims to strengthen family farming, promote sustainable agricultural development, and facilitate the transfer of successful practices from Central European countries.

According to the Head of the GTU Viticulture and Winemaking Scientific Research Center, one of the project’s partners is Georgian Technical University, which has actively contributed to its research and educational activities through international collaboration.

Professor Nino Chkhartishvili states, the initiative focuses on introducing practical models and mechanisms that support the development of short food supply chains while strengthening direct links between local producers and consumers.

“The book brings together successful practices, case studies, and practical recommendations from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia that are highly relevant to the development of agriculture, family farming, and agri-food systems. The experience presented in this publication will help raise awareness among researchers, farmers, agribusiness representatives, and other professionals working in the agricultural sector.

Short food supply chains are an increasingly important component of modern agri-food systems. They support local production, strengthen the economic sustainability of family farms, and improve consumers’ access to high-quality products. The support of the Visegrad Fund allowed us to analyze effective European models and identify ways these practices could be tailored to the Georgian context.

The book introduced today serves as a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and agribusiness professionals by providing practical examples and proven strategies that can help boost the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of local agricultural enterprises.

Participation in international projects is especially valuable for Georgian Technical University because it promotes knowledge exchange, strengthens international partnerships, and facilitates the sharing of European best practices, ultimately contributing to the advancement of both higher education and the agricultural sector.”

– Professor Nino Chkhartishvili

The event was attended by the project coordinator, expert from Mendel University (Brno, Czech Republic) Ivo Zdrahal, representatives of the Agricultural Research Center of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Rural Development Agency, donor organizations in Georgia, academic circles, students, farmers, representatives of the agribusiness sector and people interested in rural development issues.

The presentation participants spoke about the importance of the international project, the role of short food supply chains in the development of the local economy and the opportunities associated with sharing and implementing European experience.