Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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Otar Shamugia hosted the USDA Regional Director Michael Francom

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mr. Otar Shamugia held a meeting with Michael Francom, Regional Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 The needs and challenges facing the agricultural sector, specifically, in ensuring the growth of crop production have been discussed at the meeting.

 The sides also highlighted issues of deepening trade relations between the two countries in the field of agriculture.

The Minister spoke about the challenges facing the wheat production in the country, noting, that the state plans to implement agricultural incentive programs, which will ultimately contribute to the remarkable increase in the wheat production/productivity. 

"The current situation has shown us that it is important to increase the self-sufficiency rate of primary consumption products in the shortest possible time and ensure food security. I believe, that we will be able to increase the wheat self-sufficiency rate in the country by about 50% in the coming years," Mr. Shamugia stated.

The Minister set focus on the positive dynamics of the agricultural policy pursued by the Ministry in the export of agricultural products and noted, that the number of countries exporting Georgian wine is annually increasing. As for the US market, Georgia wine exported up to one million bottles of wine to the US market in the previous year.

 Mr. Michael Franco stated, that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to help Georgia in tackling challenges faced by the wheat sector. The Regional Director of the USDA highlighted current projects implemented in Georgia by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), noting, that the USDA provides support to improve the quality standards of locally produced dairy and beef products in the country.

The USDA Representative in Georgia Mr. Demna Dzirkvadze, as well as representatives of relevant Agencies within the Ministry system, attended the meeting.