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Minister Davitashvili: "Our aspirations and goals aim high to ensure effective positioning of Georgian hazelnut and other nut crops at international markets"
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia (MEPA), Mr Levan Davitashvili hosted the 5th session of an advisory council of hazelnut and other nut crops, which aimed at scrutinizing challenges and incumbent developments of nut sector, as well as successes drawn and future plans. Representatives of the hazelnut and nut industry associations positively assessed the previous year and dwelled on projections to double hazelnut harvest during 2023-2024. The session was also attended by the relevant agencies and bodies of the MEPA and donor organizations. An outstanding contribution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in safeguarding and strengthening Georgia's hazelnut sector has been embraced at a meeting.
"Effective coordination and cooperation between the state and the private sector is vital for enhancement of the MEPA's strategic programming. We ensure a consistent liaison with the associations and donor organizations within the sector, who complement the Ministry's aspirations for developing the respective field. Hazelnut industry is one of the core export landmarks of Georgia, which faced numerous challenges in the previous year; however, the vast majority of these have been tackled resulting into the industry being at the export forefront in 2020. We have ambitious aspirations and goals to attain solid position the Georgian hazelnut and nut crops at international markets. Frankly speaking, 2021 will be a successful year and this is our expectation, aspired and cultivated by expertise accrued throughout the previous years" - Minister Davitashvili stated.Â
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In the course of the advisory council, attendees scrutinized actions undertaken and reports developed. The year of 2020 has been fruitful for the industry, which has become possible upon meaningful contribution of private sector and donor organizations. These efforts have been translated into Georgia attaining its stance at a global market; however, shortcomings still remain that pose a threat to causing damage and illnesses, as well as lack of financial capabilities and volume of export. Georgia will ensure prompt and effective coordination and interventions in 2021.
Enhancement of hazelnut industry, as well as positive trends of nuts and almond production has been embraced at the meeting. Chairperson of the Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association dwelled on ensuring harvest in 2021, which possesses potential to gradually replace import, thus, the production will be exported from the year of 2022. The 5th consecutive meeting of the council enjoyed presence of the Ministry's corresponding bodies, as well as professional associations and donor organizations.Â