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Minister Davitashvili: “The State-deployed policies and remedies will safeguard each grape”
“Vintage of 2020 has turned out to be generous and is in full swing. Kakhetian vineyards have already industrially harvested 60, 000 tonnes of grapes. With grape maturity being high at every location, grape-pickers will soon be fanned out into vineyards of Gurjaani and Kvareli municipalities. In worry over the worldwide economic malaise, Georgia had earlier projected 80% of the vine harvest to be troublesome. However, our actions have benefited vintners and increased demand among the private sector.Nevertheless, specific political actors have made irresponsible speculations, which had targeted the emotional state of vintners with populism. Such portrayal of populism only harms and hinders the whole process.
Given the Covid-19 pandemic, sales have dropped and the tourism sector has suffered significantly, which has served as a key procurer. The HORECA industry has been impacted at each target market, especially from an angle of releasing premium quality production.
Resonating around a common goal has been complemented through subsidizing prices. Each kg of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane vine types will be entitled to 0,3 GEL State subsidy, however, a minimal price paid per kg shall be 0,8 GEL to qualify for State subsidy/compensation. Setting a price will complement safeguarding vintners and ensure realization of their production.
The Government-supported financial stimulus and policies have stimulated State companies to purchase grapes and safeguard the harvest, through ensuring that each kg of grapes is purchased. Frankly speaking, our effective decisions and policies coincide with many European countries choosing to leave grapes in vineyards intact, due to lack of capacity for responding to mass production” – Minister Davitashvili stated.