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Giorgi Khanishvili attended the Annual Conference of Hazelnut Growers Association
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Giorgi Khanishvili attended the annual conference of Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association in the city Zugdidi, Samegrelo region. At the event, the participants discussed current situation in the hazelnut field and summed up 2019 results.
Giorgi Khanishvili thanked the Association and farmers for their joint, active work, due to which, the hazelnut crop was significantly improved in the previous year and which resulted in an increase in the price of hazelnut and income of farmers. The First Deputy Minister noted, that the measures taken against the Asian stink bug and the state programs supporting the development of the hazelnut sector will be continued this year as well.
“In the previous year, the results obtained by Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association along with farmers might be considered as a success achieved in the hazelnut field. All measures taken against the Asian stink bug were successfully implemented in line with the Ministry's strategy and the recommendations of experts.
I believe, that this year, the number of farmers engaged in the events will be increased, which will allow us to get an even better quality crop and more income. With the joint, coordinated efforts of the government and farmers in the fight against the invasive pests, we will achieve even greater success, which will ultimately contribute to the development of the hazelnut sector and promote the growth of Georgian hazelnut export ” Giorgi Khanishvili said.
Alexander Motserelia, State Representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region outlined the progress made through joint efforts of the government and the private sector in the hazelnut field.
The representatives of the National Food Agency, Agricultural and Rural Development Agency, Local Government, USAID, as well as 1500 members of the Association – Hazelnut processors, Exporters and Farmers attended the meeting.
The conference was organized by the Hazelnut Growers Association and supported by USAID Agricultural Program and company FERRERO. It should be noted, that the Association of Farmers unites 15,000 farmers.