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

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Batumi hosted the International Forum on Berry Crops

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mr. George Khanishvili together with the Mission Director of USAID -Georgia, Mr. John Penell, and the Minister of Agriculture of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Mr. Zaza Shavadze attended the international forum.

"In recent years, intensive cultivation/production of berry crops have been taken in both Western and Eastern Georgia, mainly in Western Georgia. It is crucial, that the international forum is conducted in Batumi, as producing berries is a new practice for the Adjara region;

I believe, that blueberries have a great perspective in the Adjara region. The berry crops are continuously planted, and benefits are taken from the state programs; At the same time, we are already reaping the harvest, which has tripled in the last 2 years; Georgian high-quality berry products are already being supplied to the global markets", said the First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. George Khanishvili, while delivering opening remarks at the forum.

Local and international experts participated in the forum (from Serbia, Italy, Portugal, and Poland) who shared their experience on methods of growing berry crops, discussed modern agri-technologies, problems faced by berry crop producers, and export opportunities of berries.
The participants also discussed marketing tools that can be used to increase the competitiveness of the berry crop sector.

’It is a great pleasure for me to attend the opening of the International Forum on Berries. During the last 30 years, since the establishment of bilateral ties between Georgia and America, we have been financing and supporting various sectors, including one of the most important sectors, agriculture, as long as, it is agriculture that creates opportunities for people.

 We are making joint efforts with our partners, including the Government of Georgia, and with the involvement of the private sector," stated the Mission Director of USAID -Georgia, Mr. John Penell.

The representatives of various government agencies, donor organizations and berry producers participated in the international forum.
The International Forum on Berries was held in close cooperation with the local government with the support of the USAID Agriculture Program and TBC Bank.