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43 Geo r g i a Agriculture Finance Bulletin The First Stage of the Georgian Tea Program Begins World Bank to Provide USD 40 Million for the National Innovation Ecosystem Project Georgian Cattle Exports at USD 1 Million thus far in 2016 Essential Oil Crop Producer to Invest GEL 3.5 Million in Western Georgia
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Georgian Agriculture Finance Bulletin Edition #43, March 2016
Contents State Initiatives ........................................................................................................... 2 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
Ministry of Agriculture Seeks Beneficiaries Interested in Sericulture ............................................. 2 Danelia Providing Cooperatives with Motor Blocks ........................................................................ 2 The First Stage of the Georgian Tea Program Begins ...................................................................... 2 Government Program to Support Georgian Beekeepers Begins..................................................... 3 Danelia Mets with the Academy of Agricultural Sciences ............................................................... 3 Dairy Cooperatives to Receive Milk Testing Laboratories ............................................................... 3 USD 1.2 Million Allocated to the Development of 430 Hectares of Orchards ................................ 3
Foreign Aid ................................................................................................................. 4 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13)
EBRD and FAO Support Georgian Dairy Sector Competitiveness .................................................... 4 Forum for Beekeeping Cooperatives Held in Georgia ..................................................................... 4 New Study Maps Agriculture Trade Policies in Post-Soviet Countries ............................................ 5 World Bank to Provide USD 40 Million for the National Innovation Ecosystem Project ................ 5 Agri-business Support Programs Worth EUR 9.5 Million Launched ................................................ 5 Germany Allocates EUR 140 Million to Agriculture, Energy and Infrastructure in Georgia ............ 6
Private Sector.............................................................................................................. 6 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26)
Young Entrepreneur Aims to Develop Georgia’s Agricultural Sector .............................................. 6 European Market Hungry for Georgian Blackberries ...................................................................... 6 Georgian Wine Exports Up in 2016 ................................................................................................. 7 Georgian Wine Showcased at Japanese Wine Show ....................................................................... 7 Georgian Wines Took Part in the ProWein Wine Festival ............................................................... 7 Blauenstein Georgia to Open Ten More Cattle Farms in Racha ...................................................... 8 Georgian Cattle Exports at USD 1 Million thus far in 2016 ............................................................. 8 Georgian Wool to Be Exported to EU Countries ............................................................................. 8 Georgian Milk Production Up, Egg Production Down ..................................................................... 9 Essential Oil Crop Producer to Invest GEL 3.5 Million in Western Georgia ..................................... 9 New Plant in Samegrelo to Utilize Innovative Drying Technology .................................................. 9 GEL 5 Million Olive Processing Plant Opens .................................................................................... 9 Belarussian Tractor Plant to Open near Tbilisi ................................................................................ 9
Note: The Georgian Agriculture Finance Bulletin presents a monthly roundup of headlines and news stories related to investments and financing flows to Georgia’s agricultural sector. This bulletin is prepared by Business & Finance Consulting—a Swiss-based development finance consulting company with a long history of working in Georgia. Currently, BFC is implementing the Agricultural Lending Programme for KfW. Read more »
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BFC. Georgian Agriculture Finance Bulletin.
State Initiatives 1)
Ministry of Agriculture Seeks Beneficiaries Interested in Sericulture
March 7th, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3194/Ministry-of-Agriculture-Seeks-Beneficiaries-Interested-in-Sericulture
The Ministry of Agriculture held a working meeting under the Sericulture Development Project to plan the distribution of imported hybrid mulberry seedlings free of charge to small entrepreneurs. The Ministry is ready to find beneficiaries interested in the development of sericulture and provide them with all the necessary information and advice for growing and maintaining the plants. Within the Sericulture Development Project, the Georgian government received a donation of 100,000 mulberry seedlings imported from Uzbekistan. The hybrid mulberry does not produce fruit and is used to feed mulberry silkworms. One year ago, the Ministry of Economy created the Industrial Development Group which works on development strategies for various industries, including the concept of sericulture revival. Sericulture is based on a model of small farming, the revival of which will contribute to the development of small production and increase employment in the country.
2)
Danelia Providing Cooperatives with Motor Blocks
March 7th, 2016, http://moa.gov.ge/En/News/1071
Agriculture Minister Otar Danelia delivered farm machinery to cooperatives in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions under the state program "Providing Agricultural Cooperatives with Motor Blocks and Hand Sowing Machines." The aim of the program is to make the soil cultivation of small plots of land and difficult terrain easier and to involve cooperatives in economic activities throughout the country. The program includes preferential pricing, meaning that cooperatives will only have to pay about 24% of real market value for the machinery. 584 agricultural cooperatives have already received 1,415 sets of agricultural equipment within the frame of the program.
3)
The First Stage of the Georgian Tea Program Begins
March 15th, 2016, http://agenda.ge/news/53203/eng http://www.sarke.com/cgi/search/news.asp?Code=10046988
The Georgian Tea program, created by Georgia’s Agriculture and Economy Ministries in November 2015, aims to rehabilitate 7,000 hectares of private and state-owned tea plantations in Georgia step-by-step. The first stage of the program started in February with a 15-hectare tea plantation’s restoration and is intended to support local and biologically clean tea production in Etsera village (Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti region). At the same time, the state will support small tea processing businesses and launch certification programs together with donor organizations to ensure tea production in Georgia meets high standards and can be exported to European markets. On a similar note, the government will also establish a state program that supports tea storage facilities, enabling the country’s tea season to expand by allowing products to be better stored. Read More »
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4)
Government Program to Support Georgian Beekeepers Begins
March 17th, 2016, http://moa.gov.ge/En/News/1074 http://agenda.ge/news/53517/eng
Georgian honey is gearing up to enter the European Union market, and the government is aiming at beekeepers bolster production as it sees the high potential for beekeeping development in Georgia. As part of a program developed by the Ministry, Agriculture Minister Otar Danelia personally delivered 600 bee hives to local beekeepers in the remote Svaneti and Racha regions. A total of 7,588 beehives will be given under the program to 98 agricultural cooperatives at 30% of the cost (with the state covering the other 70%). Cooperatives also have the option of receiving large vessels and other equipment needed for honey production. Participants of the program will also be allowed to check the quality of their product at the Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia for free. Experts believe Georgian honey has a high chance of making a good impression in Europe markets and becoming one of Georgia’s leading exports alongside wine, hazelnuts and blueberries. Read More 
5)
Danelia Mets with the Academy of Agricultural Sciences
March 18th, 2016, http://moa.gov.ge/En/News/1078
Agriculture Minister Otar Danelia met with the members of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences to discuss the Agricultural Development Strategy and various agricultural projects related to it. The effective development of the rural-agricultural sector in Georgia includes the need for scientific research activities. During the meeting, Minister Danelia and Guram Alexidze, President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, signed a memorandum of cooperation which will help foster scientific research in Georgian agriculture and allow participants to share experiences and develop new programs.
6)
Dairy Cooperatives to Receive Milk Testing Laboratories
March 25th, 2016, http://www.sarke.com/cgi/search/news.asp?Code=10047103
A new, GEL 360,000, dairy cooperative support program has been launched, announced Prime Minister Girogi Kvirkashvili. The 30 existing dairy producing cooperatives will receive small milk quality testing laboratories worth GEL 40,000-75,000. The program will also provide assistance with milk collection and delivery, and cheese production, according to the Prime Minister.
7)
USD 1.2 Million Allocated to the Development of 430 Hectares of Orchards
March 30th, 2016, http://agenda.ge/news/55142/eng
In Shida Kartli, 84 farmers have been granted USD 1.2 million through the Plant the Future program for the cultivation of 430 hectares of orchards, announced the Ministry of Agriculture, including apple, plum peach, sweet cherry and almond. The grant also includes 16 farmers with 74 hectares of orchards along the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) separating the region from occupied South Ossetia. Launched in 2015, the Plant the Future program aims to replace imported goods with locally grown products, meeting both local demand while producing surplus for export. For orchards, the scheme covers 70% of the cost of young trees and 50% of the cost of irrigation systems, while for nurseries, it covers 50% of investment costs. In 2016, USD 2.1 million will be disbursed through the project. So far, the program has allocated USD 3 million for the development of 1,292 hectares of orchards and nurseries. Page 3
BFC. Georgian Agriculture Finance Bulletin.
Foreign Aid 8)
EBRD and FAO Support Georgian Dairy Sector Competitiveness
March 19th, 2016, http://www.ebrd.com/news/2016/ebrd-and-fao-support-georgia-dairy-sector-competitiveness.html http://www.finchannel.com/index.php/world/georgia/55845-fao-milk-production-in-georgia-is-an-attractive-niche-forinvesting-in
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are joining forces to support Georgia’s dairy sector through an initiative designed to build capacity and make it more efficient and attractive for investors, with the ultimate objective to improve the quality and safety of Georgian dairy products. The country’s first National Dairy Congress, co-organized by EBRD and FAO, served to promote Georgia's commercial dairy farming and share knowledge about state-of-the-art technologies and food safety practices. Food safety is of particularly importance for Georgia, which joined the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union in 2014 and is working to align its food safety legislation with that of the Union. The investment climate for the Georgian dairy sector is seen to be one of the best in world. Georgia currently imports 145,000 tons of dairy every year. An equivalent of 35 large, modern dairy farms with 500 cows each would be needed just to satisfy this local demand. Once an investor would be able to get access to land and understand the local conditions, he would be very likely to see success. Georgia’s dairy sector is currently dominated by small producers that use obsolete technologies, have very low productivity, and maintain poor hygiene standards. Simple improvements such as better feed and fodder production, improved animal health, and hygienic milk-handling could improve dairy milk farming productivity by up to 35%. Improvements in the safety and quality of Georgian dairy products would also encourage new investments in the sector, spurring job creation and improving the livelihoods of those involved in the Georgian dairy sector. After the congress, EBRD and FAO plan to launch a modular training program for Georgia’s commercial dairy farmers and will publish a practical manual on modern dairy farming for stakeholders and educational institutions. Read More »
9)
Forum for Beekeeping Cooperatives Held in Georgia
March 21st, 2016, http://enpard.ge/en/first-forum-of-apiculture-cooperatives-held-in-tbilisi/
The first Forum for Beekeeping Cooperatives was held in Tbilisi, Georgia on March 11th within the EUfunded European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and Rural Development, ENPARD. According to organizers, the forum provides a space where beekeeping cooperatives and other interested parties can discuss the current challenges in the beekeeping sector and develop solutions as well as learn about the country’s current and planned state programs, initiatives, and legislative regulations. Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Davit Galegashvili announced hopes of having everything ready for the export of Georgian honey into European Union markets within the year. The Forum was attended by representatives of the EU Delegation, the Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Scientific Research Center, several Georgian professional associations active in beekeeping and agriculture, and the Regional Information Consultation Centers, as well as cooperatives and other stakeholders.
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10) New Study Maps Agriculture Trade Policies in Post-Soviet Countries March 23rd, 2016, http://www.fao.org/europe/news/detail-news/en/c/395447/
A comprehensive study of the agricultural trade policies of 12 post-Soviet countries, including Georgia, has just been released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Each of the study’s 12 chapters (one for each country) begins with a brief introduction to the country's agriculture and includes an evaluation of recent trends in agricultural trade, information on the structure of exports and imports, tariff protection of internal markets, and regulatory framework. It found moderate growth in the agriculture sector’s share in total trade across the region, but the study also revealed significant differences in national trade policies. Most countries are actively involved in global and regional integration processes such as membership in the World Trade Organization – pointing to the potential for further growth. However, recent political developments have affected and could continue to affect bilateral trade relations between some post-Soviet countries in the future. The FAO hopes that it can serve as a neutral platform for exchange of information and knowledge, especially in times of trade disputes, as transparency between countries in trade policies can foster partnerships and deepen market integration. The publication was produced in cooperation with 12 experts, all members of the Agricultural Trade Expert Network in Europe and Central Asia. The countries covered by the study are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
11) World Bank to Provide USD 40 Million for the National Innovation Ecosystem Project March 25th, 2016, http://gov.ge/print.php?gg=1&sec_id=442&info_id=54785&lang_id=ENG
The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved loan of USD 40 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for Georgia’s National Innovation Ecosystem Project. The main goal of the project is to support firms and individuals in taking part in innovative activities and the digital economy. The project aims to promote investments in community centers by increasing internet availability and usage, increasing financing access, and gaining more innovative skills for household agricultural enterprises and small businesses. The project is also the main component of a partnership between the World Bank and Georgia and is in line with the ultimate goal of creating mutual cooperation and improved competitiveness in the private sector.
12) Agri-business Support Programs Worth EUR 9.5 Million Launched March 25th, 2016, http://www.sarke.com/cgi/search/news.asp?Code=10047098
Two agri-business support projects worth EUR 9.5 million – funded by the EU through the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) and implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) – were launched in Georgia. The programs, aimed at integrating businesses with EU networks and implementing institutional and regulatory reform, will involve more than 170 consulting projects – 150 with the assistance of local consultancies and 20 with the assistance of international consultancies, according to Program Manager Severian Gvinepadze. Page 5
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The first, EUR 4.5 million, program will last between 4 and 5 years and includes training seminars in dairy, hazelnut and vegetable production. A forum on food safety will also be held next year, according to Gvinepadze. The second project is a financial assistance program implemented by EBRD and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Beneficiaries will receive preferential loans in lari for the purchase of machinery.
13) Germany Allocates EUR 140 Million to Agriculture, Energy and Infrastructure in Georgia March 28th, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3401/Germany-Allocates-EUR-140-Mln-to-Boost-Investment-Projects-inGeorgia
Germany is to provide a EUR 135 million loan and a EUR 5 million grant to the Georgian government for investment in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Most of the money will be used for the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local government strengthening, said Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirkashvili. Innovation centers will be opened in towns and villages, allowing the local population to develop programing, design and entrepreneurship skills, added the Prime Minister.
Private Sector 14) Young Entrepreneur Aims to Develop Georgia’s Agricultural Sector March 4th, 2016, http://www.georgianjournal.ge/business/32268-young-entrepreneur-aims-to-develop-georgias-agriculturalsector.html
Recent university graduate Melano Dadalauri has decided to help develop the agricultural sector in her homeland by cultivating mushrooms and inspiring others to contribute to creating normal living conditions for the rural population in the region. The 25-year old began her business with USD 200 to prove to others that a successful agricultural business is with the grasp of any Georgian. In order to further develop and expand her business, Dadalauri has decided to take part in the Youth Agripreneurs Project (YAP) carried out by the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR). The project seeks out young agripreneurs the world over and provides them with a USD 5000 grant for business development. Dadalauri hopes to win the grant and use the funds to reduce production costs and increase productivity.
15) European Market Hungry for Georgian Blackberries March 8th, 2016, http://www.georgianjournal.ge/business/32282-european-market-needs-indefinite-amount-of-georgianblackberries.html
Local fruit producer Izoldi Kitesashvili and her family were first introduced to blackberries in 2008 when, as a member of a United Nations extension center, her family farm received blackberry saplings. After initial planting and harvests, they quickly found her supply much greater than domestic consumption and decided to explore other markets. Demand soon quickly exceeded all the family’s expectations. They have worked to expand their blackberry productions and, now, expect 20 tons of blackberries this year. The family has explored European markets for their blackberry harvest but has found that that Page 6
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market expects 5 tons every other day. In short, they need other local producers to meet European demand and are ready and willing to help them get a good start. Expansion of blackberry production could increase seasonal employment; for example, Kitesashvili’s family hires 20-30 additional workers per season to help with production. Blackberries project the same approximate cost of production as vineyards but are considered much easier to care for.
16) Georgian Wine Exports Up in 2016 March 9th, 2016, http://agenda.ge/news/53650/eng
In the first two month of 2016, Georgia exported more than 4.5 million bottles of wine to 21 countries, generating USD 10.75 million in income for Georgia. This represents a 56% increase in wine exports over 2015 numbers from the same period. The top four countries that imported the most Georgian wine in January and February 2016 were: Russia — over 2.5 million bottles, a 154% increase over 2015; Ukraine — over 650 thousand bottles, a 37% increase over 2015; Kazakhstan — over 330 thousand bottles, a 46% increase over 2015; Poland — over 320 thousand bottles, a 46% increase over 2015. January and February 2016 also saw a 165% increase in Georgian brandy exports, exporting more than 1.4 million bottles worth USD 3.4 million.
17) Georgian Wine Showcased at Japanese Wine Show March 10th, 2016, http://agenda.ge/news/54032/eng
Eight Georgian wines were showcased at the 41st International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX JAPAN) in Japan – the largest annual food and beverage tradeshow in Asia. The four-day expo began on March 8, and has served Japan’s USD 700 billion food market as well as many other lucrative Asian markets. At the event, the Georgian National Wine Agency made a presentation on Georgian wines, and wines from Georgia were re-awarded with the top prizes they received at the 3rd Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards held last month. Japan is a growing export market for Georgian wine, and the National Wine Agency is actively pursuing raising the profile of Georgian wine in Asian and European countries. In 2015, Georgia exported 138,290 bottles of wine to Japan, a five percent increase over 2014. Wine companies that featured at the Japanese event were: Kakhuri, Shumi, Kakhuri Wine Cellar, Kimerioni, Telavi Wine Cellar, Khareba Winery, Vaziani Company and Kakhuri Traditional Winery.
18) Georgian Wines Took Part in the ProWein Wine Festival March 14th, 2016, http://cbw.ge/business/georgian-wines-will-take-part-in-prowein-2015/
14 Georgian wine producers and the Georgian Wine Association participated in the ProWein wine fair in Dusseldorf, Germany between March 13 and March 15, marking the 16th time Georgian wine producers participated in the annual event. The event is recognized as one of the most prestigious events in the wine industry of Europe. Over the three day exhibition, the Georgian products were sampled at tasting sessions and discussed at seminars. Page 7
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This year the ProWein attracted about 6,000 exhibitors from 57 countries, including Georgian companies: Bagrationi 1882, Besini Company Ltd, Chateau Mukhrani, Corporation Kindzmarauli, Georgian Wines and Spirits Company, Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking, Kakhuri, Shumi, Tbilvino, Telavi Wine Cellar, Teliani Valley, Vaziani Company, Wine Man, Winery Khareba.
19) Blauenstein Georgia to Open Ten More Cattle Farms in Racha March 14th, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3261/Blauenstein-Georgia-to-Open-More-Cattle-Farms-in-Racha
Blauenstein Georgia, a Georgian-Swiss company, plans to open a total of ten cattle farms in four villages of the Racha region of north-western Georgia before October 2016. The company offers farmers special conditions to create joint farms with the company. In particular, beneficiaries have to build a farm on 60 hectares of land and make a commitment to take care of the animals given by the company. The company was established with a Georgian-Swiss investment in the Racha region in 2008 which implemented an investment of more than GEL 15 million in total. It already owns six farms in Racha and around 600 heads of cattle. The company also plans to open a dairy factory within the next two years and produce Gruyere-type cheese.
20) Georgian Cattle Exports at USD 1 Million thus far in 2016 March 18th, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3315/Georgian-Cattle-Exports-Top-%241-million-in-2016
Georgia’s Ministry of Agriculture’s National Food Agency reports that Georgian cattle exports to Qatar and Saudi Arabia have exceeded USD 1 million in 2016 so far. This is in addition to the estimated 11,800 Georgian sheep that have been exported to both Gulf States in 2016. The main importers of Georgian livestock are Iran, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
21) Georgian Wool to Be Exported to EU Countries March 18th, 2016, http://www.georgianjournal.ge/business/32324-georgian-wool-to-be-exported-to-eu-countries.html
Wool is set to be the first animal product to be exported from Georgia to EU countries. The Georgian National Food Agency says that the state has been very active in negotiations and that the government has done everything it can for Georgian wool to be recognized by EU. European agencies have been satisfied enough with the progress of Georgian quality and safety control measures to allow two Georgian companies authorization to export wool into Europe. Georgian Wool Company is planning to export 22 tons of wool to Great Britain and, if the British are satisfied with the quality, expect to expand exports to 2-3 times per week. Further negotiations are planned with Germany, Italy and Estonia. Georgian Wool Company estimates that it can deliver up to 200 tons of wool per month. The company currently exports wool to Ukraine and India, albeit at a significantly lower price. Georgia Wool, another company authorized to export to Europe, is also in negotiations with European countries, including Germany and Estonia.
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22) Georgian Milk Production Up, Egg Production Down March 21st, 2016, http://cbw.ge/economy/geostat-georgian-dairy-production-grows-egg-production-declines-infographics/
According to Geostat, the national statistics service of Georgia, the fourth quarter of 2015 saw the country produce 125.1 million liters of milk, up 0.7% compared to 2014. Egg production over the same period in 2015 sums up to 131.5 million eggs, a reduction of 8.7% over the same period in 2014.
23) Essential Oil Crop Producer to Invest GEL 3.5 Million in Western Georgia March 21st, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3328/Essential-Oil-Crop-Production-to-Get-GEL-3.5-Million-Investment
Georgian company Green Village is planning on investing GEL 3.5 million in the Guria region of western Georgia for the processing of essential oil crops. The plan is to use land to cultivate bergamot and bitter oranges as well as using land for experimental farming with other essential oil crops such as iris, jasmine, eucalyptus, camellia and laurel. In total, more than 150,000 crops are to be placed in the area. The investment will be spent on the purchase of planting materials, seedling growth, infrastructure, planting, equipment purchase, construction works for processing, a laboratory, and office buildings. The company is expected to eventually employ 45 more workers full-time and 400 more during harvest periods. Green Village was founded in 2011 and has a main business of growing and processing oilbearing crops.
24) New Plant in Samegrelo to Utilize Innovative Drying Technology March 22nd, 2016, http://cbw.ge/business/the-first-plant-of-innovative-drying-technology-to-build-in-samegrelo/
A new fruit and vegetable drying plant is being prepared in the Samegrelo region. The new enterprise will receive fruit and vegetables from the local population and plans to have products ready within five to six months. The plant will employ the sublimated drying method — a first in Georgia, but very popular among American and European producers. The new method will result in healthier, better tasting dried fruits and vegetables and will enable the production of fruit and vegetable chips. Export of the products expected in the near future. The enterprise is receiving an investment of USD 1.4 million.
25) GEL 5 Million Olive Processing Plant Opens March 28th, 2016, http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3391/Olive-Processing-Plant-Opens-in-Georgia
The “Georgian Olive” company has opened a GEL 5 million olive processing plant on a 300 hectare plantation comprising 250,000 trees. The factory and olive grove were established with co-financing from the state agricultural processing and storage program. The Georgian diaspora also contributed heavily, said Prime Minister Giorgia Kvirikashvili, adding that 100 jobs were created. The products are intended for the local market as well as export, with further expansion planned.
26) Belarussian Tractor Plant to Open near Tbilisi March 28th, 2016, http://agenda.ge/news/54990/eng
A joint Georgian-Belarussian venture to build a Belarusian tractor factory and agricultural machinery research facility in Vaziani, near Tbilisi, has been announced. Georgian company World Technic – which supplies the domestic market with agricultural technologies – will also participate. Page 9
Prepared by Business & Finance Consulting (BFC) www.bfconsulting.com In this bulletin, BFC provides extracts from articles that have been published by others and as a result cannot be held responsible for such content. The articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BFC, its staff, its associates or its partners. Copyright of articles is retained by their authors.