Agriculture Ministry forecasts “abundant” apple harvest

The Georgian Agriculture Ministry said on Friday it was expecting an “abundant” apple harvest of between 130-135 thousand tonnes in the country this year. 

The forecast has been made by the Ministry while it also pointed out effects of bad weather and frequent rains, noting the latter had a “significant impact” on the quality of apples. The body also said processing enterprises planned to deliver about 50 thousand tonnes of apples for the production of concentrate during the current season.

A meeting between Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia and representatives of apple processing and concentrate production companies discussed the current situation in the sector and the challenges related to the apple harvesting season. 

Shamugia stressed the importance of “active communication” with entrepreneurs to “accurately define” the needs and make “appropriate decisions based on the correct analysis”. 

Noting the companies were expected to start receiving apples from the beginning of September, the sides agreed to make a “balanced decision” in the near future to ensure a smooth process of apple harvesting, storage and sale.