EU simplifies export procedures for Georgian hazelnuts

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%).