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Evaluation of measures taken against the Asian Stink Bug
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili together with the members of the Scientific Mission discussed current and implemented measures against the Asian Stink Bug and evaluated the achieved results.
Levan Davitashvili expressed his gratitude to the scientists and the USAID for their contribution and support in the fight against the invasive pest.
"According to the world's leading entomologists and plant protection specialists, the measures taken against the brown marmorated stink bug were successful and Georgia has achieved a real progress in this regard. Although we agree, that pest control and prevention measures should be further continued. It will probably take us a few more years to achieve the desired result, however, it should be mentioned, that our main goal -to save the crop has already been achieved and we have saved the main agricultural crops and plants across the country. The pest control activities should be implemented till the end of the year to reduce the risk of future damage ”Levan Davitashvili said.
The Mission members gave a positive assessment to measures taken by the Ministry of Environmental protection and Agriculture along with the National Food Agency and approved the integrated pest management approach that can be exemplary for many countries around the world.
“We got familiar with the wonderful results that Georgia has achieved in the fight against the Asian Stink Bug. Unlike previous years, our visit appeared to be truly remarkable, as we have seen the results of our cooperation. Thereby we admit, that this is a record-breaking success. I’m glad that this year, the quality of hazelnut has returned to its original level, the quantity of harvest has also increased and the price of hazelnut has risen to benefit the farmers and the country’s economy. We are proud to be Georgia's partners in the above mentioned process ”said Bill Lingren, Head of the scientific mission.
The Head of the National Food Agency, Zurab Chekurashvili, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Agricultural Scientific Research Center, National Food Agency and USAID attended the meeting.
Within the frame of the scientific mission, the world's leading entomologists and plant protection specialists stayed in Georgia for a week, throughout the time they got acquainted with the invasive pest control activities in western Georgia, activities implemented by the Coordination Center. Under the frame of their visit the entomologists and plant protection specialists inspected hazelnut crops and held meetings with farmers.
The visit was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).