Gocha Tsopurashvili, an economist and former deputy agriculture minister, says frequent changes to the non-standard apple subsidy program create uncertainty for the sector. He argues that the government must move beyond crisis management and establish a predictable, long-term subsidy system.
Speaking on TV-program Business Morning, Tsopurashvili said state support should be conditional and linked to measurable improvements. Processors should invest in modern technologies and improve processing efficiency, while farmers should focus on product quality and cooperation. Subsidies should be based on thorough research, reliable data and effective forecasting.
He said the Agriculture Ministry’s main challenge is not a shortage of qualified personnel, but weak process management and inadequate analytical and forecasting systems. Government support should encourage lasting improvements rather than perpetuate dependence on subsidies.
The government ended the non-standard apple subsidy program in September after 10 years, citing a shift toward modern orchards and higher-quality production, but reinstated it on October 8, restoring a subsidy of GEL 0.10 per kilogram. Since October 13, more than 800 tonnes of apples have been delivered for processing, with subsidies exceeding GEL 83,000. Nearly GEL 28 million has been spent on the program since 2014.
