Georgia is expecting a notable increase of 15-20% in its fruit and vegetable harvest for 2024, as stated by Vakhtang Bejitashvili, the president of the Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.
Last year's harvest suffered due to unfavourable weather conditions, affecting the quantity and quality of produce. Rainfall, droughts, and landslides hampered production and export capacities, leading to a disappointing outcome.
However, the outlook for this year appears promising, with favourable weather conditions and the absence of spring frosts expected to translate into higher production levels, thereby boosting purchasing prices for farmers compared to the previous year.
Bejitashvili noted that Russia, along with other former Soviet states, dominates as the primary market for Georgia's exports, accounting for a significant 90% share.
Challenges persist in accessing the EU market due to stringent requirements, particularly for smaller batches that aren't conducive to European trade.
Regarding Europe, Bejitashvili mentioned that while phytosanitary services can issue export certificates, volume remains a significant obstacle. He emphasized the need for farm consolidation to access the EU market effectively.
source: bizzone.info