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

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Otar Shamugia: "Private companies are actively involved in the delivery and processing of grapes in Racha"

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Otar Shamugia, inspected the wine factory in the Itsa village, Ambrolauri municipality.

This year, "Itsa Marani" plans to process up to 20 tonnes of Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes, of which 98% will be purchased from the residents and the rest from its vineyards.

"Private companies are actively involved in the grape processing; indeed, the state enterprise is ready to deliver grapes if needed. I'm confident that the grape harvest in Racha will be as successful as it was in Kakheti", said the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr.  Otar Shamugia.

In 2019, the wine processing/storage enterprise "Itsa Marani" was established with state support. The company received a total investment of GEL 1.3 million, including GEL 600,000 in co-financing from the Rural Development Agency and GEL 390,000 in preferential agro-credit. The company produces eighty tonnes of wine, sells it locally, and exports wine to the United States of America and other European nations under the "Bimbili" brand. This month, based on the agreement signed with the Chinese side, the People's Republic of China was added to the list of exporting countries.

According to the state representative of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions, Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, the harvest process is in full swing in Racha, with about 2000 tonnes expected to be harvested this year.

" We had to start harvesting too early this year due to climatic conditions. Up to 500 tonnes of grapes are already stored at this stage. The government decided to implement a subsidy program. Control is taken to ensure that different varieties of grapes are not imported from another municipality. The coordination center is mobilized to coordinate the process. We have good expectations", said Mr. Papuna Margvelidze.

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 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 Mujuretuli grapes.

The State Representative of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions, Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, Majorian MP Mr.Gocha Enukidze, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Yuri Nozadze, representatives of the Ministry, including local authorities accompanied the Minister in wine company.