Changes in Dairy Products Value Chain in Georgia

Abstract

The livestock sector, as a part of the traditional food system in Georgia, occupies a considerable portion of the national economy. Though smallholder farmers are the key suppliers at the primary stage in the food value chain, the empowerment of smallholder farmers in the dairy production system in Georgia is a questionable matter. This research study reports the results of changes in the dairy sector in Georgia (Caucasus) after becoming independent from the Soviet Union (literature survey) and how these changes are seen by experts in the dairy value chain. In addition, this study aimed to look in-depth at the dynamics of the value chain of dairy in Georgia and examine the current dairy production policies. Qualitative research was applied as the methodology for expert interviews in 2019. The findings showed the difficulties experienced by the local and national dairy market sectors in Georgia nowadays. Where these difficulties were analyzed by the parameters of the value chain, it states the impact of the current regulations and policies on the safety and the quality of dairy production in the country and the depth of social, economic, and ethical impacts on the marketing of dairy products for smallholders. Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals on the dairy value chain are described.

Factors and Components Affecting Dairy Smallholder Farmers and the Local Value Chain— Kvemo Kartli as an Example

“…These results were compared with a previous study we conducted (interview with experts in dairy production in Georgia) [28]. The experts focused on Georgia's culture and traditions in developing the value chain of dairy products, especially in rural areas.…”

“…With several reservations, women in rural areas are still the ones who make cheese at home and milk cows. Hygiene standards and food safety measures are rarely applied [28]. They sell the cheese or milk they produce on the streets, in small supermarkets, or the Bazar, and thus it is difficult to monitor them.…”

“…A previous study with experts in dairy products [28] showed that it is challenging to monitor farmers fully, as the farmer who sells milk to a third party or dairy and cheese production companies is well observed. Still, the farmers who sell milk on the roads and in the Bazar or small supermarkets find it challenging to monitor them.…”

“…This study is considered part of several research pieces, some of which have been published [28,29], which delved into experts' opinion in developing the dairy value chain in Georgia and farmers' perception regarding water quality and risks in the Mashavera River Basin in the Kvemo Kartli area.…”

Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Environment, Economy, Society, and Policy

“…Ajates [413]; Ajates [414]; Akinola et al [415]; Al Sidawi et al [416]; Alae-Carew et al [417]; Albert et al [418]; Al-Jawaldeh et al [419]; Allaby et al [388]; Amicarelli and Bux [420]; Amiri et al [421]; Amiri et al [422]; Andress et al [423]; April-Lalonde et al [424]; Aschemann-Witzel et al [425]…”