Ministry Holds Working Meeting with Apple Producers and Exporters
Deputy Ministers of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Lasha Dolidze and Lasha Avaliani met with apple producers and exporters as part of a sector council meeting.
Discussions focused on preparations for the export season, opportunities to diversify export markets and the needs of sector representatives. Attention was also given to support mechanisms for farmers, including the conditions available under the state agricultural co-financing programme.
“We discussed preparations for the export season, the sector’s needs and areas where additional support from us could be valuable. We also explored opportunities to improve state programmes and use them effectively. It is important to maintain active cooperation with sector representatives at the beginning, during and at the end of the season, so that we can respond promptly to their needs and jointly review the season’s results,” said Lasha Dolidze.
The meeting also addressed apple harvest forecasting and strengthening laboratory capacity. These areas are important both for improving production and sales planning and for making the necessary testing more accessible within Georgia.
Sector council meetings are held monthly under the supervision of the deputy ministers. This format supports active communication with sector representatives, greater consideration of farmers’ interests and effective planning of projects and activities aimed at developing the sector.
Apples are one of Georgia’s important export products. During the 2025/2026 marketing year, Georgia exported 24,600 tonnes of apples worth USD 18.6 million. Compared with the previous marketing year, export volumes increased by 36%, while the average export price rose by 20%.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, was attended by Zurab Gozalishvili, Director of the Rural Development Agency; Levan Ujm ajuridze, Director of the Scientific-Research Centre of Agriculture; and heads of the relevant departments.
