News
The Ministry has launched efforts for an organized vintage
As an effort for improving quality of Georgian wine, throughout the vintage 2021, oversight will be restricted on grape quality and harvest limit with regard to geographical area of origin of the vine. Meanwhile, vintage will be organized upon data of the cadaster program, as well as through deployment of electronic system, which shall arrange ques of submitting grapes. The respective matters have been discussed at the meeting hosted by Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr Otar Shamugia with Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regional administration heads and local municipalities’ mayors. Deputy Minister Shamugia reiterated preparatory efforts for an undisrupted and organized accommodation of grapes for vintage.“Last year, the Racha-Lechkhumi region has accommodated an unprecedented number of grapes; thus, income of vine-farmers has significantly increased. There have been pandemic challenges, which we shall tackle together, thus ensure a successful outcome of 2021 vintage. Meanwhile, it is of utmost importance to provide vine-farmers with information on organized actions in a timely manner and therefore – enhance quality of Georgian wine. The Ministry’s information-consultation services have been raising awareness among the farmers, through joining forces with the National Wine Agency and launching meetings from May. The similar meetings have already been organized in the Kakheti region” – Deputy Minister Shamugia stated.
It shall be noted that the cadaster program will be commenced in the regions of Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi, which are crucial for enhancing viticulture industry in the region, as well as producing high quality Georgian wine. Cadaster works at the Racha-Lechkhumi region were organized in 2014. Due to expansion of the vineyard space, aero footage of “Tvishi” and “Khvanchkara” micro-zones have been arranged. The State Trustee of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Mr Papuna Margvelidze stated that the novelties are of timely and utmost importance for the Racha-Lechkhumi dwellers, whose income are closely linked with viticulture and wine-making sectors.
Mr Levan Mekhuzla, Chairperson of the National Wine Agency has announced that sugar consistency of the grapes to be accommodated, as set forth by the normative documentation, determines quality of grapes, which has an impact on market value.
Head of the Regional Liaison Department of the Rural Development Agency (RDA), Mr Lasha Shalamberidze discussed those activities, which will enable farmers to get access to comprehensive information about the Ministry’s planned and upcoming activities, as well as an electronic program for vintage management.