Davit Songulashvili: Farmer Support Includes Greater Access to Agricultural Machinery
Georgia is strengthening financial support to improve farmers’ access to agricultural machinery, expand processing capacity and reinforce the position of Georgian products in export markets, according to Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili.
The minister also highlighted pesticide controls and access to qualified agronomic advice as important priorities for the sector.
He said the National Food Agency was actively monitoring pesticide imports and certification at the border, as well as their subsequent sale.
Songulashvili stressed that farmers need the knowledge to identify crop diseases and select the appropriate treatment and dosage. Even a high-quality product may fail to deliver the desired results if used incorrectly, he noted, emphasising the importance of following application recommendations.
On agricultural machinery, the minister said support already covered more than 20 areas, with further expansion planned through financial assistance mechanisms.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting small and medium-sized wineries so that growers can process their harvests and create additional value.
“Supporting small and medium-sized wineries is also important so that farmers have opportunities to create added value,” Songulashvili said.
Expanding Georgian wine exports remains another priority. The minister said government assistance, including support for participation in international exhibitions, was helping winemakers enter new markets and strengthen their position in existing ones.
