News
Within the frames of the ‘’Ministerial Hour’’, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia delivers a speech at the Parliament of Georgia.
Mr Chairman, Honorable Deputies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
It is a great honor to have the opportunity to address the distinguished participants at the Parliament of Georgia today, speak about the results of the activities carried out by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia in 2022, and highlight current challenges and future visions.
"Before going directly to the presentation of the report, I would like to emphasize that economic development, and at the same time, the protection of the environment, maintaining its sustainability, including the rational use of natural resources, represent a significant challenge for our country and the whole world. Therefore, all the activities, programs, and events that we plan and implement, on the one hand, are aimed at maximally and effectively utilizing the potential of the agricultural sector, promoting the production and sale of competitive Georgian products that are in demand on international markets, and on the other hand, we seek to safeguard our environment to the greatest extent possible and protect our water, land, and forest resources from pressure and damage while developing and expanding our production. Consistent implementation of the environmental policy should ensure sustainable and balanced development of the country. With all of the above in mind, we will meet the standards set by the international community.
The situation in the region is an enormous challenge for the whole world. We share the gravity of the situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this context, we have even more responsibility to protect the country's interests, maintain peace, avoid a complex political and socio-economic situation, and keep moving towards our primary goal- European integration.
Therefore, economic growth, specifically the double-digit economic growth that we have maintained for more than two years, enables us to increase funding in agricultural and environmental protection fields year by year. In the last five years, the allocations of the Ministry increased by 150%, which allowed us to implement new initiatives, enabling us to further development.
Agriculture
A large variety of institutional changes are being implemented in the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture to introduce the European management system in Georgia's agriculture and rural development policy. As a result of the reforms, more support mechanisms will be available to farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs, aiming at diversification, inclusiveness, and efficiency.
"According to the preliminary data of 2022, the agribusiness products (primary and processed products) amounted to GEL 15.2 billion. During the last ten years, this indicator has increased by 112%; thus, compared to 2021, we have a 14% increase. Also, over the last ten years, the added value created in the industry has increased by 96% and amounts to GEL 4.4 billion; compared to 2021, a 13% increase is recorded.
The government of Georgia pursued a policy promoting private sector development in compliance with modern requirements, which increased the export of Georgian agro-food products by almost 147% in the last ten years.
In 2022, a record-breaking amount of agro-food products worth up to USD 1.3 billion (34% more than the figure in 2020 and 10.5% more than the figure in 2021) were exported from Georgia to 96 countries. A growing trend of export of Georgian agro-food products was recorded in 2023, specifically, in the first quarter of 2022, a 29% increase in exports was shown compared to the same period of the previous year, and the export of Georgian agro-food products to the European Union increased by 21%.
One of our priorities is the EU market, and we are striving to exploit the full potential of the EU market. After the signing of The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement (DCFTA), the export of wine to the EU countries increased by 129%, alcoholic beverages by 26%, fruit, and vegetable juices by 103%, non-alcoholic carbonated beverages- by 4.7 times, and the export of dry fruits increased by five times.
Georgia exports tea and citrus products as well. It should be mentioned that after signing the DCFTA agreement, the European Union market was opened for various products of animal origin: honey and beekeeping products, Black Sea fish and fish products, animal feed, etc.
It is crucial to increase the competitiveness of local agro-food products to maximize export to the EU market. Within the scope of the DCFTA, Georgia approximates its legislation with the EU legal acts in the food safety, veterinary protection, and plant protection fields. Moreover, 183 normative acts were adopted and approximated between 2015 and 2022. The introduction of food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles is gradually introduced and becomes mandatory for all food business operators.
Every year, state-initiated programs to develop the agro-food industry are enhanced, and new initiatives and programs are elaborated and added in response to demand and existing challenges. Under the scope of the projects carried out by the Ministry. As of 2022, the total investment in Georgia's agricultural industry is GEL 6.2 billion, whereas state co-financing is GEL 1.6 billion.
The areas of modern orchards are expanding year by year across the country, resulting from the successful state program - "Plant the Future". Moreover, up to 20,000 hectares of modern gardens have been planted since the beginning of the program, and 16 modern nurseries have been set and arranged. According to our projections, we received more than 40 thousand tonnes of crops from new gardens last year, which exceeded GEL 85 million.
The anticipated yield of perennial crops planted under the program will increase significantly in the upcoming years, resulting from increased fruit production in the orchards during fructification.
According to projections, the production of perennial crops from gardens planted under this state program - "Plant the Future", will reach 200 thousand tonnes by 2030, with a value of around GEL 500 million.
It should be mentioned that the program employs a total of 10,000 permanent and 45,000 temporary workers.
The preferential agro credit initiative is running successfully; more than 16,000 beneficiaries will get benefits in 2022. More than GEL 990 million loans have been issued, where the state co-financing exceeded GEL 170 million.
For several years, the state support program has been implemented to create processing and storage infrastructure; 218 processing enterprises and storage infrastructure have been funded since the launch of the program.
Moreover, when enterprises are fully operational, agro-food products worth GEL 250 million will be produced yearly by state-funded companies, the capacity of the storage infrastructure will reach 130,000 tonnes, and more than 3,000 people will be employed in the mentioned companies.
Currently, 128 enterprises are operating and manufacturing products worth GEL 130 million; the storage infrastructure provides storage of 43,000 tonnes of products in compliance with modern standards.
With the support of the European Union, in 2022, we launched the integrated development program for the pilot regions. The mentioned program envisages co-financing for the creation of a new enterprise or the expansion/re-equipment of the existing ones. Both agricultural and non-agricultural processing, storage, and infrastructure companies are funded to improve the rural economy.
Consequently, we already have 43 beneficiaries with more than GEL 29 million investment, where the state contribution exceeds GEL 17 million.
The technical support program has been successfully launched in the country to increase the competitiveness of Georgian agri-food products in the international and domestic markets. About 200 companies received assistance under the frames of the respective program.
The program intends the adoption of international food safety standards, product branding, and co-financing of the equipment necessary for the final delivery of products in commercial form.
Cooperation in the agricultural industry fosters production development, adopting contemporary technologies and standards and, consequently, improving economic conditions for rural communities.
Agricultural cooperatives can now participate in every ongoing program of the Rural Development Agency, as part of which, the cooperatives, compared to other legal entities, enjoy 10% benefits of state co-financing. State financing under special cooperative programs is set at 70-80%.
Changes to the Law of Georgia on "Agricultural Cooperatives were adopted in 2022 at the initiative of the Agrarian Issues Committee, which will contribute to the further development of agricultural cooperatives across the country.
This year, the Ministry established a new structural subdivision focused on the development of cooperation. Last year, we initiated a new program for setting up nine agricultural cooperatives storing vegetables and potatoes, where state co-financing exceeded GEL 4 million. More than 100 small farmers are engaged in the initiative, which can store a total of 4500 tonnes of products.
In 2023, we launched the "State program for co-financing of agricultural machinery" for cooperatives; with a rather significant 50% grant funding from the state, GEL 10 million has been allocated for the project.
It is no secret that the private sector urgently needs agricultural techniques. In recent years, about 3,000 recipients have benefitted from state assistance, purchasing 5,324 units of agricultural equipment, totaling more than GEL 203 million. As we are aware, upon the initiative of the Prime Minister, GEL 50 million was allocated for this purpose in 2021-2022 to support farmers in purchasing 4,000 units of equipment.
Last year, hazelnut farmers could not effectively carry out agro-technical measures due to a range of factors, including climatic conditions, which led to a decrease in yield and quality, resulting in insufficient income for the private sector.
Hazelnuts are one of the essential export products, with 70% of its exports going to the European Union. Hazelnuts are an essential source of income for tens of thousands of households. Under the decision of the Government of Georgia, we assist the hazelnut sector, and every individual who owns or uses an area of 0.2-3 hectares receives GEL 500 assistance per hectare, which enables farmers to properly carry out agro-technical measures.
In just four months, we registered over 45,000 hectares of hazelnut orchards of up to 85,000 beneficiaries in the hazelnut cadastre. As of today, more than 90% of farmers have the points accrued in their credit cards, enabling them to make the most of it.
The Agro insurance program has been running for nine years and is continuously being improved, the program is a protection mechanism to make farming a more predictable process, and at the same time, it gives farmers the opportunity to protect their crops from climatic risks.
Within the framework of the agro-insurance program, with the most recent changes, winegrower farmers will receive 70% co-financing instead of 50%; moreover, the changes will make it more attractive for insurance companies involved in the program to insure their grape crops in high-risk regions; also crop insurance will be affordable for winegrower farmers.
Since 2014, more than 65,000 beneficiaries have insured up to 140,000 hectares of land area under the program, with compensated damages exceeding GEL 67 million.
Last year, we also launched a Bioproduction Promotion Program, which includes certification, consulting services, and co-financing of biological fertilizers and/or biopreparations permitted in organic viticulture and beekeeping. The "Technical Regulation –Rules on Producing and Labeling Organic Products" was prepared in compliance with the new EU regulation and adopted, and its application will undoubtedly support the export of organic products to the EU market, for which there is a relatively high demand.
We assist farmers in fostering the development of animal husbandry through the preferential agro-credit program. Furthermore, the Ministry actively collaborates with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which funded various projects for 311 beneficiaries in 2020 - 2022, with a total investment exceeding GEL 28 million and state co-financing over GEL 20 million.
I would like to mention that we received applications from farmers in 2022. This year, we are considering additional financial support for up to 500 recipients to promote the primary production of milk, veterinary care, and artificial insemination.
Georgia has great potential for developing the aquaculture sector, although it has been explored and utilized on a limited scale, including marine aquaculture. This year, we have allocated 8 locations for setting up marine fish farms in the coastline of Adjara, Samegrelo, and Guria regions, which will create an opportunity to attract considerable investments in the aquaculture area. It also implies the possibility of producing tens of thousands of tonnes of fish and different types of seafood and gradually exploiting the export potential of fish products, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
This year we will make active strides to develop other relevant measures for the development of the aquaculture sector and attract large investments, for which a new structural unit has already been established in the Ministry.
We also pay attention to integrating economically inactive women into agricultural activities. With the support of the United Nations Women's Organization (UN Women), in 2022, we launched a pilot project, providing economically inactive women with co-financing for setting up greenhouses. The mentioned program was carried out in Marneuli and Lagodekhi towns and currently comprises 38 female beneficiaries. This year, we intend to expand the mentioned initiative.
Scientific and research activities are being carried out to promote the development of the agricultural value chain. A unified registry of qualified seed farms and nurseries (database software) was created under the frames of the harmonization of seed and planting material certification systems with international standards. In 2022, the certified seed materials reached 1,400 tonnes, and certified planting materials included 1.3 million seedlings.
A well-organized system of certification of seed and planting material provides customers with quality materials, which is an important basis for increasing yield, productivity, and export potential, enhancing competitiveness, and attracting investments. Within the framework of fulfilling the obligations taken under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, seeds and planting material will be subject to mandatory certification in 2024.
The past year began with a set of challenges for the viticulture and winemaking field in the country. The export of Georgian wine declined in the first half of the year due to the difficult political situation in the region. However, the situation improved in the second half of the year. Wine exports increased in strategic markets: Poland (32%), the USA (28%), Latvia (20%), Germany (34%), Estonia (53%), and Japan (68%).
The harvesting process was organized with the active involvement of the private sector, which was encouraged by the state subsidy program. Up to 257 thousand tonnes of grapes were processed in Georgia, with winegrowers generating up to GEL 270 million. Promotion and awareness-raising campaigns continue actively in key strategic markets of Georgian wine, specifically, the United States of America, Great Britain, Poland, Germany, Baltic countries, China, Japan, and South Korea. This year, GEL 14 million will be invested to promote Georgian wine in these and other important markets. The budget funding, activities, and efforts are increasing yearly in this area.
It is important that the USAID Agriculture Program is involved in the Georgian wine marketing campaign and will implement various targeted measures for promoting Georgian wine, first and foremost in the United States, including South Korea, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Along with the growth of exports, the need to protect the domestic market and strengthen the traceability system has become increasingly important. To increase the quality control of Georgian alcoholic drinks, alcoholic beverages manufactured in Georgia and intended for sale on the domestic market will be subject to mandatory certification from January 1, 2023.
Protecting the interests and health of the population and producing competitive products is only possible with critical strategic directions of agricultural policy, such as food safety, veterinary medicine, and plant protection. In recent years, significant steps have been taken in the respective area; specifically, the legal framework has been improved, and technical and human resources have expanded.
Capacity building led to an increase in the scale of state control of food safety and an improvement in efficiency (for example, ten years ago, about 500 state controls were carried out per year, while in 2022, this figure reached almost 31 thousand). Technical regulations were adopted for regulating milk, honey, poultry meat, hazelnuts, alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, and other products.
Laboratory capacities are increasing in parallel with the challenges, and international research methodologies are being introduced. In 2022, the State Agricultural Laboratory of Georgia successfully passed international accreditation; moreover, its quality management system fully meets ISO 9001 requirements. This year, the laboratory received the status of a reference laboratory.
The National Food Agency undertakes up to 6 million veterinary manipulations each year to protect animal health, prevent the spread of various diseases, and avoid economic losses for farmers, including free vaccinations of animals (for seven types of illnesses).
Creating a unified database of land resources and balance sheet for land is of the utmost importance for the sustainable management of land resources across the country.
With the support of the World Bank, the concept of "creating and developing a unified database of land resources" was developed to address the issue. Under the abovementioned concept, we started to create a unified database of land resources, which will end in 2024, and the unified balance of Georgia's land fund will be available throughout the country.
In 2022, a national policy document for the sustainable management of pastures was developed to establish a unified, consistent approach to the sustainable use and protection of pastures. The concept forms the basis of a legislative initiative to regulate pasture management issues in the country. The mentioned draft law should be completed this year.
The rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage infrastructure continues intensively; as a result, the irrigated agricultural land area has increased from 45,000 hectares to 165,000 hectares, while the drained land area has increased from 14,000 hectares to 43,000 hectares.
In 2022, the agriculture, irrigation, drainage, and land management sectors attracted unprecedented financial resources (amounting to more than USD 300 million) from 4 major international financial institutions (the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the French Development Agency).
As a result of budgetary and donor funding, the planned projects in 2023-2030 will provide coordinated investment in the field and improvement of reclamation services in more than 50,000 ha of area, which will increase the yield of crops by about 30%.
The mentioned projects will assist up to 50,000 farmers. In addition to rehabilitation, the programs seek to provide farmers with financial and technical assistance, value chain development, increased access to markets, sustainable land management, and promotion of land consolidation.
I would underline several large projects that we have launched within the framework of international partnership; in particular, with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), more than USD 23.7 million will be used to improve the economic condition of the population living in the villages near the occupation line; With funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), more than 10 million Swiss francs will be spent to increase the competitiveness of the livestock sector.
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has launched a project worth up to 6 million euros, contributing to the sustainable management of Georgia's natural resources. The Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Swiss Confederation are assisting us in successfully implementing the forestry sector reform, with a total investment of 47 million euros.
With the support of the European Union, the IV phase of the European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD IV phase) is being successfully implemented in the country. The program's budget is 55 million euros, focusing on increasing the competitiveness of local products, improving the food safety system, and promoting the export of Georgian products to the European Union.
Despite the implemented measures, there are undoubtedly challenges in the field, specifically low productivity, access to new technology, a need for more competent workers, and other factors we must work hard to overcome.
One of the critical documents in the policy creation and implementation process is the "Vision 2030 - Development Strategy of Georgia," which was developed upon the initiative of the Prime Minister. According to the strategy, by 2030, the implemented policy should ensure the production of agro-food products worth GEL 30 billion and the export of agro-food products worth USD 3 billion.
Environmental protection
Environmental protection and the fight against climate change are becoming increasingly important in modern reality. Therefore, environmental policy should be consistent and its implementation should ensure sustainable and balanced development of the country.
In 2022, the Government of Georgia adopted the " The Fourth National Environmental Action Programme of Georgia for 2022-2026," -an important strategic document for our country that aims to improve the environmental conditions in our country, protect biodiversity, and bring it closer to the European Union's environmental policy.
Improving the environmental management system is fundamental in creating the European environmental protection system. Our government has already made significant progress in this area.
The Law of Georgia "On Environmental Liability" went into force in 2022, imposing additional requirements on the industrial sectorThe company causing significant damage to the environment is obliged to take necessary remedial measures to restore the environment and pay the necessary fees. We have already carried out an important institutional reform in the Ministry's system to fulfil these new obligations. New structural units have been created in the National Environmental Agency and the Department of Environmental Supervision focused on law enforcement.
Establishing and managing new protected areas in compliance with international standards is crucial for biodiversity protection. In 2022, we actively expanded protected areas, creating new ones in Racha, Shida Kartli, and Zemo Imereti regions. As a result, the protected area has expanded by 116.7 thousand hectares, currently exceeding 912 thousand hectares, covering almost 13% of the country's territory.
Eco-tourism and infrastructural initiatives are continually implemented in the protected areas of Georgia. In 2022, a unique eco-tourism complex was opened in Tsalka Canyon, which gained significant interest and popularity. Currently, 1,200 km of hiking trails and related tourist-recreational infrastructure are being constructed in 15 protected areas, and 3D lighting is being installed in Martvili Canyon and Okatse (Kinchkhi) waterfall areas, making these places even more attractive for visitors.
UNESCO has recognized our country's unique biodiversity for the second time. Following the inclusion of four protected areas of Georgia to the list of world natural heritage sites, for the first time in Georgia and the South Caucasus, two biosphere reserves were established in the municipalities of Akhmeta and Dedoplistskaro in 2022, which will further increase the awareness of Georgia's unique biodiversity at the international level and will contribute to the development of local eco-tourism.
Active work on expanding protected areas will continue this year and in the coming years. In 2023, we will establish new protected areas in the Guria region. The research will be continued in Samegrelo and Svaneti regions as well.
The first smartphone application was created for tourists to Georgia's national parks in 2023. According to the data of 2022, the number of visitors grew by 53% in 2022 compared to 2021 (902,010 visitors).
We know how important it is to establish effective water resources management mechanisms in the face of global climate change.
The Parliament of Georgia is actively discussing the draft law "On Water Resources Management" prepared in compliance with the EU directives.
At the same time, we started to restore the water quality and quantity monitoring network.
Water quality monitoring is carried out at 231 points in rivers and lakes of Georgia in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive requirements.
In 2022, we purchased two pieces of high-tech equipment for Kutaisi and Batumi regional laboratories. Consequently, it will be possible to assess the quality of water resources in compliance with high international standards. The existing monitoring system will be improved, which is also a step forward for implementing the new draft law on "Water Resources Management" in practice.
Reducing ambient air pollution, particularly in urban and industrial regions, is one of the top environmental priorities for the Ministry.
The goal of the consistent policy implemented by the state is to reduce air pollution from the industrial sector, in other words, to solve problems accumulated over a dozen years. In 2022, the Ministry actively continued its efforts toward establishing continuous self-monitoring systems for industrial companies releasing harmful substances into the air.
An interactive plan for implementing a self-monitoring system was elaborated for each industrial company, which we are continuously monitoring. At this stage, out of 50 active enterprises, 20 large industrial companies are already registered in the electronic system of the Ministry, and other enterprises are installing filters and monitoring systems.
Our objective is to equip all significant industrial companies with modern filters and online monitoring systems by the end of the year, which is a crucial requirement for reducing air pollution from the industrial sector.
It is critical to improve the air quality in Rustavi. The state has taken significant measures in the mentioned area, including developing new rules and strengthening enforcement, control, and oversight.
The implementation of the first action plan to improve air quality in Rustavi city ended in 2022. More than 85% of the actions outlined in the plan have already been completed. Considering the air quality monitoring results, we improved the target environmental quality indicators, indicating that solid particle pollution is reduced in the town.
Ten of the 18 large industrial companies in Rustavi city have registered in the online monitoring system. Furthermore, three operating companies have applied to the environmental supervision service. Registration procedures are underway that demonstrate the effectiveness of the regulations implemented in the country through the joint efforts of the government and the parliament, which have already yielded concrete results in terms of technical re-equipment of large industrial enterprises and the implementation of a continuous self-monitoring system for air quality.
However, we understand that environmental problems still remain in Rustavi. Therefore, with the participation of all stakeholders and the involvement of Georgian and European experts, a new air quality management plan is being developed, which determines new measures to reduce air pollution. Also, with the support of the European Union, the development of an air quality management plan for the city of Tbilisi has been started.
Another important step forward to reduce pollution from the industrial sector is the new draft law "On Industrial Emissions", which is already being discussed in the Parliament of Georgia. The draft law aims to establish new requirements for existing and new enterprises in the country from 2026. About 200 operating enterprises will have to gradually introduce modern technologies to reduce air, water, and soil pollution caused by industrial activities.
A draft amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia was developed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee of the Parliament of Georgia and civil society to reduce pollution from transportation. The proposed amendments consider vehicle emissions control on the roads (by using special equipment) from the second half of 2023.
In the coming days, we will present an initiative on vehicle import-related issues to the Government to gradually reduce air pollution from the transportation sector and limit the import of old cars next year. The process of checking fuel quality is underway.
Crucial steps are taken in the forestry sector across the country. Currently, we have a legal framework for sustainable forest management, the new Forest Code. The Code established important mechanisms for sustainable forest management. The log sort yards, the so-called ''business yards'' are being actively set up throughout the country to introduce sustainable timber and forestry production systems gradually.
As of 2023, 39 ‘’business yards’’ have been arranged. Furthermore, by the end of the year, it is planned to set up 18 new ‘’business yards’’. The establishment of log sort yards and the adoption of mechanisms for sustainable timber production, as well as the training of professionals and the employment of residents, are the main requirements for the successful implementation of the forestry sector reform.
A national forest inventory program was carried out for the first time in Georgia. The program ended in 2022, and a report on forests' quantitative and qualitative characteristics was prepared.
In 2022, forest restoration-planting activities were carried out on more than 1000 ha nationwide. In 2023, forest restoration activities are planned in an area of 1500 ha.
To increase the scale of forest restoration-planting measures and ensure maximum public participation in the mentioned process, the volunteer platform "Friend of the Forest" was developed. The program plans to implement forest restoration actions with the support of natural persons and legal entities.
Despite the activities carried out in the country, the illegal use of the forest remains a challenge. In 2023, we have increased the number of forest guards to 500 to improve forest protection and ensure forest law enforcement.
This year, we are working on the draft law “On Biodiversity” and will submit it to the Parliament for consideration. The law will comply with European requirements and allow us to protect biodiversity in parallel with the country's economic development.
In 2022, the Standing Committee of the Council of Europe's Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) approved sixty-six sites of the emerald network of Georgia, covering 18.7% of the country's territory and bringing Georgia closer to European biodiversity protection standards. We aim to ensure the sustainable management of the existing emerald network to preserve our country's unique biodiversity.
The draft law of Georgia -"On Hunting", is being developed, which will regulate one of the essential public activities in a new manner and promote the introduction of a sustainable hunting system. By the end of 2023, we are considering presenting the respective law to the Parliament.
The waste management field has undergone significant progressive changes in recent years. The regulatory law corresponding to the European standards was established to regulate issues for managing different types of waste.
In 2022, the Government of Georgia adopted a new five-year (2022-2026) national waste management action plan and an updated national waste management strategy, specifying the main priorities the country should focus on in the coming years, which concerns the prevention of environmental pollution with waste, the introduction of a separate waste collection system and the promotion of recycling of collected waste.
Since 2022, we have started adopting the Extended Producer Responsibility system. Three Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) organizations are authorized to carry out applicable regulatory requirements for waste oils, tires, electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and accumulators. The EPR electronic register is operating, and 9,305 producers are registered in the EPR electronic register.
The draft technical regulations on the management of end-of-life vehicles have been submitted to the government of Georgia for approval. Also, a draft of the technical regulation "On management of packaging waste" has been prepared, and we are still working on it.
Strengthening the capacity of the Department of Environmental Supervision remains a top priority for the state to create an effective control and supervision system to enforce environmental law in practice.
The legislative initiatives presented by us are being discussed in the Parliament of Georgia, which aim to significantly tighten sanctions for the illegal use and transportation of timber, illegal fishing and illegal use of mineral resources.
In addition, the modernization of the Department of Environmental Supervision has launched to make it the most robust and highly reliable agency. Environmental patrol and rapid response services are fully equipped with shoulder camcorders, video recorders, rugged tablets and other modern technical means (drones, photo traps, digital communication systems, etc. ).
Modern technologies and equipment have substantially enhanced environmental inspection, bringing the inspection process closer to European standards. In 2022, the number of inspections increased by 70%, equaling 4,635 compared to last year.
Against the background of climatic changes, particular importance is attached to weather forecasting and expected natural disasters.
By the end of 2023, it is planned to install an additional 72 automatic meteorological and hydrological stations throughout Georgia. In the first half of 2024, we will have 300 modern stations in compliance with European standards to significantly improve weather forecasts' accuracy and quality, forecasting expected natural processes and providing more accurate and high-quality information to interested parties.
Since 2015, several institutional and regulatory changes have been implemented to improve nuclear and radiation safety. Our international partners and the International Atomic Energy Agency have recognized this progress. With the support of the European Union, systematic steps are taken toward radioactive waste management and implementing measures for arranging modern infrastructure.
The new draft law "On nuclear and radiation safety" is being discussed in the parliament, which was developed under the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance national nuclear and radiation safety systems.
Environmental and agricultural education is one of the top priorities for the Ministry, and we are working hard to get young people interested in relevant careers. We must attract young specialists and actively involve them in the work process.
For this purpose, the agencies included in the ministry system actively cooperate with higher educational institutions. Students undergo an internship in the Ministry system, and they are given a real opportunity to be employed in the system of the Ministry and make practical use of their knowledge.
I would especially like to mention the "Green Scholarships" program, which we launched to promote scarce jobs-environmental professions, and we already have 32 excellent students who have been awarded GEL 1500 scholarships. The program showed us that the students' motivation increased. Accordingly, we decided to develop and implement the "Agro-scholarship" program and promote the shortage of occupations in the agricultural field by the end of the year.
Furthermore, the Environmental Information and Education Center trained approximately 7,000 people in Georgia in 2022. One thousand three hundred farmers were trained to enhance their productivity, improve the quality of local agricultural products, and increase farmers' agrarian qualifications.
And finally
We are all well aware of how critical it is for our country to join the European Union. Georgia was awarded a European perspective last year, and this is a genuinely historic moment for Georgia.
Within the competence of the Ministry, we actively continued to work on the fulfilment of the obligations taken under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and as we have mentioned, several strategic documents were approved last year, two new draft laws aimed at the transposition of the EU legislation and several legislative amendments were submitted to the Parliament of Georgia, and we are planning two more new ones this year.
The legislation of Georgia was fully aligned with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Environmental Liability Directive. Furthermore, Georgian legislation was aligned with 19 legal acts of the European Union in the food, phytosanitary and veterinary areas; six new state agricultural development programs were approved, laboratory capabilities were strengthened, an aquaculture development strategy was prepared, and an area designated for aquaculture was approved.
The capacities of our agencies were strengthened. All of the mentioned brings us closer to Europe and once again emphasizes the unshakable will of our government that the European Union and European integration is our common choice, and the Georgian government is doing everything for it.
Ultimately, I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Georgia, the entire Government team, and the Georgian Parliament, particularly our two committees Agrarian Issues Committee and Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee, for their active cooperation.
Thanks to our partner countries, the European Union, and international organizations for their tremendous assistance. From the parliamentary tribune, I want to thank each employee of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. Our success and progress in environmental protection and agricultural directions result from our joint efforts and united work. Thank you very much for your attention.