Honey Safety Control in Georgia
Tbilisi, March 4, 2025 – Within the framework of the project "Enhanced Agricultural Practices and Consumer Awareness" (CAPCA), the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG) held a presentation on the results of a monitoring study titled "Honey Safety Control in Georgia."
CSRDG conducted monitoring on honey-related safety risks and state control measures. The research covered existing mechanisms for honey safety control, key challenges, and difficulties. The monitoring focused on state control over honey safety in the domestic market.
The monitoring report addressed issues such as:
● Beekeepers’ awareness of food safety and self-monitoring mechanisms;
● The number of veterinarians;
● Mechanisms for registering entrepreneurs;
● The scope of state control;
● Antibiotic residues in honey;
● Control effectiveness and consumer awareness.
During the monitoring process, existing official documentation and reports were analyzed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with four employees of the National Food Agency.
Despite significant progress in honey control and safety in Georgia in recent years, several key obstacles hinder further improvements in this area and food safety in general:
(1) A large portion of entrepreneurs is unable or unwilling to comply with food safety requirements,
(2) The state lacks sufficient resources to effectively monitor the food market,
(3) Public demand for improved food safety remains weak.
One of the strongest motivators and means to break this "vicious cycle" is Georgia's integration into the European Union. Since 2010, this factor has been the main driving force behind food safety reforms. The EU, its member states, EU-based organizations, and other Western actors have provided significant support in implementing these reforms. Thus, to sustain progress in the food safety sector and beyond, Georgia must continue its Euro-integration course and maintain cooperation with its Western partners.
The monitoring results will assist state institutions, donors, international organizations, and civil society groups in facilitating the implementation of EU-aligned food safety regulations.
"The role of civil society in advocacy, monitoring, capacity building, and consumer awareness is crucial to ensuring the effective implementation of food safety regulations and their alignment with consumer interests. This mission is fulfilled by the monitoring report presented today. Based on the collected data, the report calls for transparency and accountability from public institutions involved in the official control system. Supporting consumer awareness of honey safety and quality in accordance with EU regulations fosters a constructive dialogue among stakeholders in Georgia's food safety management."
– stated Denis Rice, Program Manager for Sustainable Food Systems at the EU Delegation to Georgia.
"We are deeply grateful for the support the EU has provided to the Georgian state, private sector, and society over the years to ensure that Georgian consumers have access to safe food and that their health is better protected. Without this support and the European perspective, it would have been impossible to achieve the progress made so far in establishing a food safety system similar to the EU model. We sincerely hope that Georgia will continue its path toward EU membership and food safety reforms. Through our work, we strive to contribute to shaping a European-style state in Georgia, where citizen and consumer safety is highly protected."
– stated Eka Urushadze, Executive Director of CSRDG.
About the European Union
For over 30 years, the European Union has maintained a close partnership with Georgia. The EU contributes to the country’s development by sharing knowledge, expertise, and providing financial and technical support. The partnership between the EU and Georgia is based on common values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth.
More information on the EU’s support in Georgia can be found at:
About the Project
The event was held within the framework of the EU-funded project "Enhanced Agricultural Practices and Consumer Awareness" (CAPCA), which is part of the fourth phase of the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development in Georgia (ENPARD IV). The project is co-financed by the German organization “Bread for the World.”
The project is implemented by a coalition of organizations, including the Georgian Farmers’ Association (lead partner) and two co-partner organizations: CSRDG and the Ambrolauri District Beekeepers' Association of Georgia’s Mountain Regions.
The project aims to enhance the knowledge of entrepreneurs, consumers, civil society groups, and the media about food safety regulatory requirements and improve stakeholder communication and engagement in the ongoing food safety reform process.
Contact Person:
Natia Metreveli, PR Manager, CSRDG