EU simplifies export procedures for Georgian hazelnuts
Georgia exported 18,000 tonnes of hazelnuts abroad in 2020, which is a 34% increase compared to 2019, says the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia. To the EU alone Georgia exported 12,900 tonnes of hazelnuts last year, 59% more compared to 2019. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The European Union (EU) is simplifying the export procedures for Georgian hazelnuts as a result of an increased confidence in the quality of Georgian hazelnuts and an effective policy of state control, announces the National Food Agency of Georgia.
Specifically, the standing committee on plants, animals, food and feed of the EU Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety has decided to reduce the frequency of inspection of Georgian hazelnuts exported to the EU.
The agency reports that the decision of the committee was based on the measures taken by Georgia in 2020 to comply with the requirements of the European Union and to avoid aflatoxin contamination.
The decision was made on July 9 and will come into force on the twentieth day of its publication.
Georgia exported 18,000 tonnes of hazelnuts abroad in 2020, which is a 34% increase compared to 2019, says the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia. To the EU alone Georgia exported 12,900 tonnes of hazelnuts last year, 59% more compared to 2019.
Statistics show that 44% of agri-food exports from Georgia to the EU comes from hazelnuts, followed by wine (15%) and mineral waters (also 15%).
Georgia has started exporting white flower bulbs to several countries of the EU and especially to Holland after the National Environment Agency issued a license to use white flower bulbs for a period of three years, announces the agency.
Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava has expressed hope that in the nearest future it will be possible to start exporting products from Georgian fisheries to European markets.
The European Union has allowed the importation of pet food from Georgia to the EU.
Georgia exported 7,007 tonnes of hazelnuts between August 1 and October 18, making for a 50 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2019, announces Georgian Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection.
Swiss chocolate producer Camille Bloch, which made a 40 million GEL investment in the Kakheti region of Georgia and planted hazelnut orchards on 50 ha of land, expects its first hazelnut harvest by 2025. Hazelnuts harvested in Georgia will be used for Camille Bloch’s famous chocolates.
The Georgian Ministry of Agriculture and the Association of Almond and Walnut Growers of Georgia are working to begin exports of Georgian almonds to the European Union market, the Association Founder Tornike Latatia told local radio station Commersant on Thursday.