Udabno Forecasts a Bumper Almond Harvest; Pursues Organic Practices
Udabno, a leading agricultural company based in Georgia, anticipates a bumper crop of 200 tons of almonds this year. Lado Tsintsibadze, the company's director, outlined this prediction in a recent interview with "Agropartner".
Last year, Udabno achieved its first large-scale almond harvest, amassing more than 200 tons of almond hearts. "Our first substantial harvest led to our inaugural export, with up to 30 tons of almonds making their way to Dubai. We intend to further such endeavors this year," stated Tsintsibadze.
A significant portion of the raw almonds harvested are subjected to secondary processing within Udabno's own facility. Here, the nuts are transformed into a variety of products including almond milk, oil, and flour. These products are then distributed to various establishments, including hotels and restaurants, as well as individual consumers.
Transitioning towards organic farming practices, Udabno is taking measured strides in its commitment to sustainable agriculture. "We've embarked on a multi-year transition to fully embrace organic European farming standards. Consequently, while our almond yield may not rise as dramatically as those from industrial-scale gardens, we're proud to steer clear of harmful chemicals and additives," explained Tsintsibadze.
Almond harvest season in Georgia typically commences at the end of August. "We're proud pioneers in large-scale almond cultivation in the region. Recognizing the high value and escalating demand for almonds, we tapped into its potential," reflected Tsintsibadze.
It's noteworthy that Udabno's almond orchards are strategically situated near Udabno village in the Sagarejo district of Kakheti. The company began planting these orchards in 2017, and it now boasts almond plantations spread across an impressive 2000 hectares.