Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has signed a decree establishing a new legal entity intended to promote Georgian gastronomy locally and abroad. The National Agency of Gastronomy will operate within the Environmental Protection and Agriculture Agency, and be temporarily led by Deputy Agricultural Minister Lasha Avialiani. The agency was officially launched on July 18. Its mission is to identify, research, document, digitise, and promote Georgia's national gastronomic heritage by preserving traditional recipes, products, production methods, and culinary practices. It will also support the conservation and development of Georgian culinary culture and promote gastronomic tourism.