David Songulashvili: “Georgia’s Agricultural Products Should Be Directly Associated with High Quality”

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture spoke about the importance of the quality of agricultural products and the organized collection /storage of harvest.

 
“The state actively participated in the collection and storage of low-quality, non-standard apples. Currently, the citrus harvesting season is underway. Two weeks ago, we visited Adjara, where, with the coordination of the Adjara Government and our support, a coordination center was established. Our primary task is to secure a high-quality harvest; at the same time, the harvest we collect must be fully and properly stored,” said Mr. David Songulashvili.


According to the Minister, Georgia’s agricultural products should be directly associated with high quality. This is the main goal, which we will achieve by implementing consistent reform.


Currently, 15 fruit processing enterprises participating in the state program have collected more than 30,000 tonnes of non-standard (poor quality) apples. As a result, farmers earned over GEL 9 million, while state funding exceeded GEL 3 million.
 

The program supporting the sale of non-standard apples ensures the full collection of the harvest. Non-standard apples are collected by fruit processing enterprises in the Shida Kartli, Kakheti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Racha-Lechkhumi & Kvemo Svaneti regions.

Notably, from August 1 to November 16, 2025, Georgia exported 4,800 tonnes of apples valued at USD 3.4 million. Compared to the same period last year, the quantity of exported apples increased by 7% (299 tonnes), while the value rose by 19% (USD 542,000).