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

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Otar Shamugia briefed the beekeepers in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region on the State Program for Support of the Beekeeping field.

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, along with Samtskhe-Javakheti State Representative, Mr. Besik Amiranashvili, met local beekeepers in Tskruti village, Akhaltsikhe municipality and informed them about the new state program.

Within the state support program for the beekeeping field, the beekeepers will be financed by 50% of the cost of the hives, up to GEL 70  per hive, but not more than GEL 5,000  per beneficiary.

"The new program allows our farmers to expand beekeeping field and increase honey production, enabling them to renew their hives and purchase new ones. In recent years, we have held several events to support farmers, and we have financed more than 200 cooperatives, allowing them to buy various equipment and renew their hives.

We enhanced laboratory capacities, which allowed us to export honey to countries in different regions and the European Union market without disruption.
We will continue this assistance to use and absorb our potential in the mentioned area and support farmers in producing quality and more products, " said Mr. Otar Shamugia.

According to Besik Amiranashvili, the beekeeping field is a sufficiently developed industry in the region. The state has been supporting beekeepers through various programs and projects over the years. The new program is essential for residents as well.

Beekeepers positively evaluated the new program. During the meeting, the parties emphasized that the targeted program would considerably benefit them and allow them to boost honey production further.

 The potential beneficiary must have at least ten bee families (at least ten hives), and the number of hives should not exceed 150% of the number of bee families registered in the beneficiary's apiary at the time of application to participate in the program.
The potential beneficiary must register as a business operator, and the apiary should be registered in the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) before participating in the program.

It is worth mentioning that the state promotes the development of beekeeping through different programs and projects, aiming to promote the sustainability of quality honey production, increase access to industry knowledge, and raise awareness of Georgian honey in the international market, allowing more quality Georgian products to enter both local and export markets.