David Songulashvili Meets with the Representatives of the Hazelnut Sector

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, David Songulashvili, met with representatives of the hazelnut sector as part of Sectoral Council meetings.

During the meeting, the parties focused on improving hazelnut quality, boosting international competitiveness, ensuring access to state support, and adopting modern technologies.

Discussions also covered agricultural insurance mechanisms, co-financing of agricultural machinery, effective measures against pests and diseases, and the need for highly qualified agronomists, while emphasising that strengthening coordination and ensuring continuous communication between the state and sectoral representatives are essential to address the sectoral challenges effectively.

“It is important for us to hear directly from sector representatives about the challenges facing the industry and to make decisions through joint discussions. This is precisely why the Sectoral Council format was established to serve as an effective platform for coordination with farmers and businesses. We want support programs to be tailored as closely as possible to the real needs and to further contribute to the development of the sector,” stated Mr David Songulashvili.

According to sector representatives, state programs have played a significant role in strengthening the hazelnut sector and supporting the planting and development of industrial orchards.

“In recent years, significant changes have taken place in the hazelnut sector. The number of modern, industrial-type orchards has increased, and export-oriented production has strengthened. State programs have played a major role in this process; however, as the sector develops, its needs are also evolving. It is essential to ensure that support mechanisms become increasingly tailored to the needs of modern farms, thereby further enhancing the sector’s competitiveness in international markets,” said Mr Otar Sherozia, Executive Director of the Hazelnut Growers Association.

Over the past few years, Georgia’s hazelnut sector has demonstrated steady growth. An upward trend has been observed in both export volumes and revenues. Hazelnuts remain one of the country’s key export products, with the main export markets being European Union countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France.