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

"With regard to the 2019 grape harvest, we haven’t made final decision to impose restriction on grape varieties Alexandrouli "and " Mujuretuli’’ to plant or grow these varieties (not only in Racha) in other regions as well" said the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Levan Davitashvili under the "Minister's Hour" at the hearing session, in the Parliament of Georgia.

" Local population asked for the  processing of ‘’Khvanchkari  grapevine saplings " Alexandrouli "and" Mujuretuli’’  to take place in the geographical area of these varieties. The relevant document was prepared, which meant, from 2019, to impose restriction on the processing of above mentioned raw materials in other places, thereby, production, processing and preparation of which to take place only within the geographical area’’ - said Levan Davitashvili.
According to the Minister, the grant funding program for wine enterprises was launched a couple of years ago to achieve this goal and increase technical capacities in the designated territories.

" New wine cellars were opened, although, according to the latest estimates, the production capacities of the local enterprises reaches 700 tons. Last year, 1500 tons of "Alexandrouli" and "Mujuretuli" were processed in Racha region. Accordingly, local population will face difficulties, while delivering grapes to the companies. Therefore, taking into consideration the views and best interests of the local population we will further discuss the above mentioned issues. At this stage, the dialogue with the local population is underway "said the Minister.