The Adjara government will continue subsidizing non-standard mandarins intended for industrial processing this year. The state will provide 35 tetri per kilogram, while processing companies will pay an additional 5 tetri, bringing the purchase price to 40 tetri per kilogram. Citrus production in Adjara is forecast to reach 40,000–45,000 tonnes this season, with more than 20 companies purchasing export-quality mandarins and two canning factories in Kobuleti processing non-standard fruit.
The Citrus Coordination Headquarters has opened to oversee the season, support the sale of export-quality mandarins, coordinate logistics and ensure the smooth operation of processing facilities. The headquarters will also coordinate export documentation and permits and monitor the subsidy program. Citizens can obtain information by calling the hotline 1501. The headquarters will operate until February 1.
During the previous season, Georgia exported more than 27,000 tonnes of standard mandarins worth over GEL 43 million, while more than 14,000 tonnes of non-standard fruit were processed. The government allocated over GEL 2.5 million in subsidies to support the sale of non-standard mandarins.
The state is also continuing subsidies for non-standard apples, despite announcing the program's termination in September after a decade. The scheme was reinstated by an October 8 decree, with the government once again providing 10 tetri per kilogram.
