Ten fruit-processing companies participating in a state support programme purchased more than 5,500 tonnes of non-standard apples between October 1 and 13, 2026. As a result, farmers generated over GEL 1.4 million in revenue, including more than GEL 500,000 in state subsidies, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
The programme supports the sale of non-standard apples, with participating processing companies operating in Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. The government provides a subsidy of GEL 0.10 per kilogram of non-standard apples.
Any fruit-processing company can join the programme by purchasing non-standard apples from individuals engaged in fruit production for at least GEL 0.25 per kilogram by December 18, 2026. The ministry has also established a coordination headquarters to ensure the organized collection of apples.
Additionally, a new component has been introduced to the state agricultural co-financing programme, allowing companies purchasing and processing non-standard apples to access preferential agricultural loans. Under a government decree adopted on November 3, the loan amount will range from GEL 500,000 to GEL 5 million per beneficiary.
