4 minute read
Private Sector
May 8th, 2020, https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/ssha-podarjat-gruzii-27-tysjach-tonn-vysokokachestvennoj-pshenicy/
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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).
17) Hazelnut industry not negatively impacted by COVID-19 crisis
May 5th, 2020, https://bm.ge/en/article/association-of-hazelnut-exporters
While most industries have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, hazelnuts have, by and large, not. According to industry experts, the crisis has had no impact on the export of Georgian hazelnuts. In fact, exports have even increased to some markets (e.g. Turkey) compared to last year. Moreover, there are many countries where hazelnuts are difficult to find. Despite these positive developments, Georgia’s hazelnut season is quickly coming to an end, meaning that demand is likely to remain high for some time in many marketplaces.
18) Georgian winemakers prepare for a very difficult year
May 5th, 2020, https://commersant.ge/en/post/georgias-winemaking-industry-will-have-a-very-difficult-year
Georgian winemakers are in for a difficult year this year as there has been an overall decline in wine exports and sales as well as a near cessation to wine tourism. Many wine companies are not only concerned with how this is impacting sales but also what that might mean for production down the line. For example, a lack of sales means a decreased demand for fall grapes as producers will still have wine sitting in their tanks waiting to be sold. Most involved in wine production are waiting for nervously for second-quarter results and preparing themselves for a difficult year, with many already looking for additional state support to help them recover once the crisis has passed.
19) More than two thirds of agricultural markets have reopened
May 12th, 2020, http://bizzone.info/agriculture/2020/1589320702.php
Of the 90 agricultural markets registered in Georgia, 64 have already reopened following closures due to the COVID-19 crisis. The markets have been reopened with some additional measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19, including some rehabilitation works, daily disinfections, strict social distancing and monitoring to ensure personal protective equipment is used at all times by both merchants and consumers.
20) Kalo.ge introduces remote agricultural consultancy package
May 25th, 2020, https://kalo.ge/news/view?id=8461
Agricultural portal Kalo.ge has created a special online consultancy package to make it easier for farmers to care for crops, identify and fight diseases and pests, select appropriate drugs and quickly and easily obtain information on modern agricultural approaches. The special package allows farmers to electronically submit questions, pictures and videos to an expert agricultural advisor and receive recommendations and other advice within one working day.
Prepared by Business & Finance Consulting (BFC) www.bfconsulting.com Articles are taken directly from local sources without any fact-checking; they are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. Business & Finance Consulting (BFC)’s editing is limited to providing a short summary in English of the texts, highlighting the main points of the original articles. All rights reserved by the authors. BFC takes no responsibility and does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, or assume any responsibility whatsoever for the content, accuracy, and reliability, or completeness of any of the articles.
