News
The conference ‘’Nut Crops in Georgia : Efficiency in Production and Marketing’’
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili opened the conference ‘’Nut Crops in Georgia : Efficiency in Production and Marketing ", which was held for the first time in Georgia, bringing together 150 producers, specialists, experts as well as representatives of different associations.
“The development of nut crops is one of the main strategic directions of the agricultural sector in Georgia. Georgia is in the list of nut producer countries, therefor nut crops play an important role in the agricultural products export. However, at present, through Georgian Government support programs, intensive crop farming of other walnut crops namely, almonds, walnuts, pistachios etc. are underway” Levan Davitashvili said.
The Minister noted, that a new orchard comprising about 5 thousand hectares has been planted under the frame of the state program ‘’Plant the Future’’.
“In recent years we have increased the budget through providing grant funding programs; Even by 2020, we still continue funding, which is about GEL 13 million. The development of the agricultural sector will enable us not only to substitude import but to become a net-exporter country. I believe, that nut crops can greatly contribute to export of Georgian products and create significant added value for our population living in rural areas ” Minister said.
The conference was held at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. Leading European and US experts shared their knowledge and underlined the importance of favorable climate conditions for producing almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and other nut crops in Georgia. The experts noted, that, hazelnut production is well developed in Georgia and Georgia is in the list of the largest hazelnut exporter countries, however, walnuts, almonds and pistachios are still imported in the country, so the support for the agricultural ector is of utmost importance.
The conference, held for the first time this year under the auspices of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supported by the European Union.