Georgia has added a new component to its state agricultural co-financing program, allowing companies purchasing and processing non-standard apples to access preferential agro-loans. Under a government decree issued on November 3, eligible businesses can borrow between GEL 500,000 and GEL 5 million, with a maximum loan term of nine months.
Loans will be available annually from September 1 to November 20, provided companies are registered with the coordination headquarters established to support the sale of that year's apple harvest. The loan amount must not exceed 9 tetri per kilogram of purchased apples. The Rural Development Agency will subsidize interest at the National Bank's refinancing rate, but only for funds actually used to purchase and process non-standard apples.
Annual interest rates will be capped at 14% for loans between GEL 500,000 and GEL 1.5 million, and 13% for loans ranging from GEL 1.5 million to GEL 5 million. Borrowers must submit an audit report within nine months to verify that the funds were used for their intended purpose.
The non-standard apple support program launched on October 13, 2026. According to the Rural Development Agency, nine processing companies have already purchased 2,195 tonnes of apples, generating more than GEL 554,000 in revenue for farmers, including over GEL 219,500 in state subsidies. Under the existing scheme, the government subsidizes purchases by 10 tetri per kilogram, provided processors pay farmers at least 25 tetri per kilogram. The program covers Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.
