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

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Otar Shamugia meets hazelnut farmers in the Samegrelo region.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, together with the State Representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, visited the hazelnut orchard of a farmer, Giorgi Gabunia in the village of Chkhoria and met with the farmers, who received the targeted state assistance under the hazelnut production promotion program.

According to the Minister, the state will ensure full support this year as well. Up to 50 agronomists will provide consultations to farmers on how to properly maintain and care for their hazelnut orchards. The Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) is involved in the mentioned process as well

"Today, the farmer should consider the reality caused by climate change. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to properly maintain and care for their orchards. The Asian stink bug has its own set of challenges. The Government of Georgia will do its best in this direction this year as well. The output in the industrial garden reaches 2.5-3 tonnes, accordingly, the small-scale farmers may double their crops, ensuring considerably more income for each family and, eventually, the country. Furthermore, we will become the third-largest hazelnut exporter, if small-scale entrepreneurs boost their hazelnut crop yield. We can achieve this goal with proper care and through state support program. Consequently, our key point is to join forces to achieve a better result", said Mr. Otar Shamugia.

During the meeting, the farmers emphasized the state's assistance, noting that the current programs helped them to reduce their orchard maintenance expenses by 60-70 per cent. Furthermore, farmers outlined the importance of the support provided by the Ministry for raising their awareness about the proper maintenance of hazelnut orchards.

"Consistent and targeted state initiatives enable our farmers to offer high-quality and competitive products to the local and global markets, with as much involvement from the Ministry as possible. In addition to the support, which includes the fight against the pests and subsidies, training programs are also crucial for proper care of the orchards", said Mr. Giorgi Guguchia, State Representative of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.

It is worth mentioning that, within the state program, the process of accruing points to agro-cards is actively underway. All farmers will receive proper points if they register in the hazelnut cadastre program until April 30, 2024.

As of March 31, 2024, more than 40,000 hectares of hazelnut orchards have been registered across the country under the program. Agricultural points equivalent to more than GEL 15 million have already been accrued to agro cards.