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

 The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili attended the 3rd Conference of Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association (GHGA) in Zugdidi. The participants discussed challenges facing the hazelnut sector and overviewed ways of solution. Government vision, the importance of the development of hazelnut sector and thus related planned activities was stressed by the Minister at the meeting.
"Considering current challenge, consolidation is very important for us We should deal with the it with joint efforts. Last year, in Georgian Hazelnut Growers Association, along with hundreds of farmers we tested a program and received very positive results. We need to increase farmers' involvement. This year we are trying to involve about 15,000 farmers in hazelnut protection program. Budget funds are already allocated. The program aims farmers to take into account recommendations of the Ministry and Hazelnut Growers Association while doing their farming activities. In order to facilitate the process, the state purchases and transfers Association 2000 high efficiency treatment equipment and security tools " - said Levan Davitashvili.The Mission Director of USAID/Georgia, Peter A. Wiebler made a speech at the conference.
Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture along with the Hazelnut Growers Association (which embraces 8000 members) started to work on the Hazelnut Protection Program". The above mentioned process included elaboration of the plan which embraces complex measures. Subsequently, all supporting activities will enable farmers to receive a high quality harvest, furthermore, they will timely take treatment activities against dangerous pests and fungal diseases to avoid hazelnut crop damage and yield losses.
On the other hand, the Association offers  its members preferential services: soil research, equipment for hazelnut chemical treatment activities, crop drying, an access to agrocredit to buy fertilizers and pesticides. The Prime Minister's Advisor on Regional Development, Sozar Subari stressed, that involvement of local self-governments is crucial to deal with hazelnut related issues. The State Representative in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Alexandre Motseriela drew his attention to the current situation in the hazelnut sector and highlighted planned events.
About 400 farmers, large producers, exporters, Minister of Agriculture of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, representatives of regional governments, non-governmental, international and donor organizations participated in the conference.