BFC Georgian Agriculture Finance Bulletin. Edition #93, May 2020
13) United States to deliver 27,000 tons of high-quality wheat to Georgia May 8th, 2020, https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/ssha-podarjat-gruzii-27-tysjach-tonn-vysokokachestvennoj-pshenicy/
The United States is planning to deliver 27,000 tons of high-quality wheat to Georgia to help the country during the COVID-19 crisis. The wheat is being provided under the Food for Progress program, which has been active in Georgia for many years. The delivery of the wheat is of particular importance now as many countries have banned the export of wheat and grain in order to ensure their own food security.
14) GEL 3.2 million in emergency grant support for smallholder farmers May 15th, 2020, http://www.fao.org/georgia/news/detail-events/en/c/1275642/
The European Union (EU), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture are teaming up to develop mechanisms for Georgian farmers as part of an effort to build their resilience to the current state of emergency. As part of this effort, GEL 3.2 million in grants has been allocated to support smallholder farmers experiences difficulties. More specifically, this support will focus on co-funding modern drip irrigation kits that can be quickly and easily installed. These efforts will not only help smallholder farmers but also increase food production and food security in the country. The 3.2 million is part of a broader GEL 19 million grant initiative being implemented under the European Neighborhood Program for Agricultural and Rural Development (ENPARD). Under the wider grant program, co-funding is available for the purchase of agricultural equipment and installations such as tractors, harvesters and greenhouses.
15) Georgian tea has a strong potential, especially with niche consumers May 21st, 2020, http://www.fao.org/georgia/news/detail-events/en/c/1276787/
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, tea production fell to less than 2% of its peak during the Soviet era. In recent years however, steps have been taken to revitalize Georgia’s tea industry, especially given its ideal tea growing conditions and natural tea stock. Now, a recent report shared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has concluded that Georgian tea producers have the potential to carve out interesting (and profitable) niches in world markets by catering to consumers of quality organic, green, and specialty teas. If responsible agricultural investments can be made to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, Georgia is poised to make a name for itself has one of the best tea producers in the world.
Private Sector 16) Food and beverage prices up 16% May 4th, 2020, https://commersant.ge/en/post/fruit-prices-rose-15-fold-in-one-year
According to the National Statistical Office, the price of food and alcoholic beverages has risen by an average of 16% over the past year. The most notable increases are for fruits (a 45.5% increase), dairy products (a 23.2% increase), sugar, jams and other sweets (a 16.9% increase), meat and meat products (a 15.0 % increase), fish (a 14.9% increase), vegetables and gourds (a 14.1% increase), oil and fat (an 11% increase), water, juices and non-alcoholic beverages (a 10% increase), coffee, tea and cocoa (a 10% increase) and bread and bread products (an 8.4% increase).
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