Gov’t to allocate “additional resources” to support winegrowers, says Georgian PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday announced the Government’s decision to allocate “additional resources” to support winegrowers in the country, adding a state company would purchase Saperavi grape variety from vineyards at 10 locations for ₾1.5 in an apparent reference to cost per kilogram.

The Government will also reimburse winegrowers who have sold the grapes at lower prices by covering the difference, he added.

Kobakhidze emphasised the importance of viticulture and winemaking in the country, highlighting the growth in the industry since 2012.

As a result of the Government’s efforts the area of vineyards in the country has increased by 70 percent, grape processing has increased by five times, and the export of Georgian wine has increased by four times since 2012. Last year, the country received a record income of $259 million from wine exports, while it amounted to $71.5 million in 2012”, he said.

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The Prime Minister underlined the Government’s support for the industry, including through subsidies for over 20,000 winegrowers to sell their crops on time. With this year's forecast harvest of grapes reaching a “record” 300,000 tonnes, Kobakhidze reiterated the importance of storing the crop “quickly” due to climatic conditions to prevent spoiling and ensure “timely processing”.

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He thanked Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Agriculture, and Lasha Khutsishvili, the Finance Minister, for supporting the initiative and further emphasised the Government’s commitment to developing agriculture and supporting viticulture to strengthen the sector and rural communities in the country.