Strengthening local production through subsidies is the only realistic way to reduce Georgia’s dependence on imported beef, according to Gardabani Cattle Farming. The company’s director, Kote Kvernadze, made the remarks following a meeting between livestock farm representatives and the Ministry of Agriculture, where discussions focused on import substitution and improving links between local producers and retail networks.
Kvernadze said access to affordable financing remains one of the sector’s key challenges. While the government supports capital investments such as farm construction, he argued that operational costs are significantly higher and receive far less support, limiting the sector’s ability to scale production.
He added that in most countries local agriculture is subsidized, particularly in livestock production, making it difficult for Georgian farmers to compete with imports without similar support mechanisms. According to him, current assistance programs are not sufficient to meaningfully strengthen domestic production or replace imported meat.
Geostat data shows that Georgia produced 81.9 thousand tons of meat in 2025, down from 88.7 thousand tons in 2024, covering only 72% of domestic demand. The country imported $34.6 million worth of beef last year, including 6,779 tons in total, with frozen beef accounting for the largest share.
