As of 2023, the total investment in the agricultural sector under the Environmental Protection and Agriculture projects exceeded GEL 7.5 billion, with almost GEL 2 billion coming from state co-financing. Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia declared it within the format of the Ministerial Hour at the Plenary Session.
According to him, over the past five years, agri-business product output has grown by an average of 10% annually, reaching a record GEL 16.6 billion in 2023. During this period, rural unemployment decreased by 7.8 percentage points, reaching the lowest level of 14.6%.
"Notably, over 100,000 people are employed in the enterprises and orchards we support, both permanently and seasonally, as of 2023. Export indicators are also steadily growing. Over the past five years, the export of Georgian agri-food products has increased by an average of 13% annually, reaching a record USD 1.44 billion in 2023, which is 15% higher than in 2022. The geographical range of export countries is also expanding”, - Otar Shamugia stated.
Speaking about the specific results of state programs and projects, the Minister highlighted the increase in modern orchard areas each year, a result of the successful state program "Plant the Future”.
Since the program's inception, nearly 22,000 hectares of modern orchards have been established with state support, and the value of the harvest from these orchards exceeded GEL 150 million in 2023 alone.
