Georgian PM emphasises “principal importance” of developing viticulture

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said development of domestic viticulture and winemaking was of “principal importance”, in comments following a meeting at the annual grape harvest coordination centre in Telavi, in the eastern region of Kakheti.

I am glad this year winegrowers will have a record income”, he said, adding storing of grapes collected from growers was progressing “smoothly”, with a “record” harvest anticipated.

He also highlighted the Government's decision to ensure “rational prices” for winegrowers, where a state company would accept Saperavi variety for ₾1.5 per kilogram at up to 10 locations, while the Government would also cover the difference for those who had sold the type for less than ₾1.5 so far.

Kobakhidze said the move had resulted in the reduction of queues, benefitting both growers and the overall process of storing crops.

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After familiarising himself with the operations at the centre, the Prime Minister received information about the harvesting process from Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Agriculture.

About 146,000 tonnes of grapes have been processed in the region, including 60,000 tonnes of Rkatsiteli and 68,500 tonnes of Saperavi varieties.

The National Wine Agency said more than 12,000 winegrowers and farmers had already stored crops, leading to an income of ₾197 million ($72.99mln) from the sale of grapes.

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In light of the “record-high” harvest of 300,000 tonnes projected for this year, the Government is also offering subsidies to promote the sale of grape by winegrowers. This initiative is expected to benefit over 20,000 farmers looking to sell their crops.