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

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Otar Shamugia: "If winegrowers earned GEL 35-40 million ten years ago, they received GEL 270 million last year."

"Over the last ten years, approximately 50 thousand tonnes of grapes have been processed, and this figure has increased significantly, totalling about 260 thousand tonnes this year," Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr Otar Shamugia, stated at the meeting with the media representatives after the government session.

The Minister stated that the agricultural industry, specifically the viticulture/winemaking field, has received unprecedented support in recent years.

"Recently, we have heard different questions about grapes, grape vintage, wheat, and hazelnuts. Unfortunately, our opponents are politicizing these issues. We would emphasize unequivocally that the agricultural sector has received unprecedented support in recent years, including viticulture and winemaking fields," said Mr Otar Shamugia.

During the press conference, the Minister once again stressed the increased wine export figures over the last few years.


"Ten years ago, wine export was 20 million litres; this year, we expect to export about 120 million litres of wine. Suppose we estimate the mentioned figure in terms of money. In that case, we are talking about the export of almost USD 400 million in the wine and spirits sector, a significant income source for our growers, winemakers, and the country. We have been constantly criticized, and now we are being asked to pay a subsidy for damaged grapes (harvest) while they have claimed for years that the subsidy is wrong and should not be implemented. I think, this is populism. We promote viticulture and other agricultural fields, and this support will continue in the future," said Mr Otar Shamugia.


Mr. Shamugia also noted that approximately GEL 16 million is spent on wine marketing during the year.
In recent years, we have invested over GEL 80 million in marketing campaigns to promote wine in our top priority markets. Consequently, we have increased the yield and export numbers by 5-6 times and will continue to work in this direction. By 2030, we aim to reach USD 1 billion in wine and spirits export earnings. We will continue to give targeted support that will yield tangible outcomes," Mr Otar Shamugia said.