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

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All wine growers whose grapes were entirely damaged by natural disasters will receive assistance of GEL 3,500 per hectare.

After the Government session, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Tengiz Nasaridze, briefed media representatives on the decision of the government, noting that all wine growers whose grapes were entirely damaged by natural disasters will receive assistance of GEL 3500  per hectare.

"As we are aware, the grape harvest is at its peak. The process is quite successful and organized. To date, approximately 180,000 tonnes of grapes have been processed. Thirteen thousand winegrowers have already received their grapes; Their income is approximately GEL 200 million. However, unfortunately, along with this process, the recent natural disasters have caused severe damage to this industry as well. Hail damaged approximately 6 thousand hectares of vineyard area on September 2 and September 17. 

Fortunately, a certain percentage, about half of this land, was covered by insurance, which is really great; nevertheless, due to various causes, the owners of the remaining part did not insure their vineyard. Therefore, according to the government's decision, a mechanism has been created to support all winegrowers whose grapes were destroyed and help them to receive the aid of GEL 3,500 per hectare, which will be a significant support for them.

This money should be purposefully used for vineyard maintenance so that the grape growers may continue their activities, save the vineyard, and make an active contribution to the vital process regarding the development of Georgian viticulture," said Mr. Tengiz Nasaridze.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the most effective mechanism for stable agricultural activity is agro-insurance and urged farmers to take advantage of the state program of agro-insurance.