“Apples Are a Strategic Product with Strong Potential for the Domestic Market,” Says Davit Songulashvili

Davit Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, met with apple-producing farmers and exporters, according to the ministry.

During the meeting, the Minister presented an initiative to establish a sectoral council within the ministry. The council will focus on identifying sector challenges and needs, sharing updates, and ensuring targeted support.

According to the Minister, council meetings will be held monthly under the supervision of a Deputy Minister, and quarterly under his direct leadership.

Davit Songulashvili emphasized that the development of the apple sector is important, as apples represent a strategic product for the domestic market with growing export potential.

“It is especially important to hold regular meetings with farmers to properly identify all existing challenges in the sector. These meetings will allow us to anticipate issues and respond effectively,” he stated.

The Minister also noted that working in a council format will significantly improve the consideration of farmers’ interests and help design more effective development projects across the agricultural sector.

Apple production in Georgia has shown a steady upward trend in recent years and remains one of the key directions in the country’s agri-sector. Production is mainly concentrated in the Shida Kartli region, which leads the sector, while significant shares also come from Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kakheti. This diversification indicates that apple production is expanding and becoming less dependent on a single region.

In terms of exports, apples are an important export product. In 2025, export volumes reached approximately 20.6 thousand tons, with an average export price of around USD 0.68 per kg, bringing total export value to about USD 14 million. Key export markets include Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.

The meeting at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia was attended by Deputy Ministers Lasha Dolidze and Lasha Avaliani, along with heads of relevant agencies and sector representatives.