Georgian farmers are urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on kiwi imports following reports that kiwis from Iran are being sold in Japan as products of Georgia, according to commersant.ge.
"Kiwis imported from Iran are being sold in Japan as Georgian. Maybe no one would have noticed or cared about one or two such instances, but how can it be that you don't even have 1 hectare of kiwi plantation, yet you're exporting several tons?" said the head of the Kiwi Producers Association, Demur Pipiya, to reporters.
The agricultural community is also pressing to implement penalties stipulated in a decree aimed at exporters who mislabel their products.
"Iranian kiwis are imported and sold with Georgian certification... The law provides for hefty fines for such violations, but nothing like this is happening," says Pipiya.
The association has highlighted the lack of direct engagement with exporters, with Pipiya emphasising the potential for Georgia to meet Japan's demand for kiwis directly, eliminating the need for such re-exports.
"This could significantly benefit our local farmers," he added.
In October, the price of kiwi increased by 52% compared to the same period last year.
According to official statistics, kiwi imports into Georgia reached an all-time high this year. From January to September 2024, the country imported 1,980 tons of kiwis worth $1.1 million. Iran accounts for almost 96% of the imports – 1,904 tons worth $955,700.
Source: www.commersant.ge