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

print

share

Otar Shamugia gets familiar with the ongoing harvesting process in the Racha region

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, visited Racha, Ambrolauri Municipality, where he met with local winegrowers and learned about the grape harvesting process.

"The harvest in Racha is already in full swing. We expect a yield of around two thousand tonnes. Currently, up to 500 tonnes of grapes have already been processed. It is significant to mention that we receive a quality harvest. The coordinator centers are actively involved in the mentioned process. This year, we continue to subsidize Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties accordingly, grape growers can deliver, handle, and store their crops on time and get an increased income. It is worth mentioning that this year, the minimum price for grapes is 8 GEL for the first time. Winegrowers can deliver grapes to companies at this price with the state subsidy of 4 GEL," stated the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia.

As of September 26, up to 500 tonnes of grapes have been processed in the Racha region. 27 companies are involved in the crop processing process at this stage. Enterprises collect grapes at 17 locations. Ampelographers monitor the grapes to be delivered at all grape receiving points to safeguard the varietal accuracy and quality of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) "Kvanchkara" wine. In addition, special checkpoints have been set up at the entrances of the region to prevent grapes from being imported from other municipalities and mixed with Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli grape varieties.

The grape harvest coordination center operates in the  Ambrolauri city to organize the harvest. Additional information can be obtained through the hotline of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture - 1501.

Minister Shamugia also visited the family of winegrower Kakhaber Getsadze in Itsa village of Ambrolauri municipality and participated in the grape harvesting. Kakhaber Getsadze has planted Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli grape varieties on one ha of area. The winegrower will deliver a substantial part of his crop, up to 4 tonnes, to the wine company. 

Under the decision of the Government of Georgia, a subsidy program is implemented in the Racha region to increase the involvement of the private sector in the harvesting process, ensure timely harvesting, and maintain the quality of grapes. All companies that will purchase and process at least 3 tonnes of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the microzone of Khvanchkara will receive a subsidy and will pay the grower no more than 8 GEL. In the Racha-Lechkhumi region, companies are given a state subsidy of 4 GEL per kg of Alexandrouli and per kg of Mujuretuli grapes. 

Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, state representative of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions, the Majoritarian Deputy Mr. Gocha Enukidze, Mr. Yuri Nozadze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, representatives of local authorities and the Ministry attended the grape harvesting process in the Racha region.