Georgia’s hazelnut harvest is facing a paradox this year: strong global prices and higher yields, overshadowed by an alarming rise in hazelnut bush withering, particularly in the Samegrelo region.
According to the Hazelnut Producers Association, the issue of sudden and severe wilting of hazelnut plants has reached a critical level. In some orchards, up to 50% of bushes have been affected. The Association is now urging farmers to report any withering to better assess the scale of the problem.
“For two years now, we’ve been working with the Agricultural Scientific Research Center to identify the cause and possible prevention methods,” the Association stated. “We’ve also brought in scientists from Italy and Turkey, but no clear cause has yet been found. Right now, our shared focus is on the Xanthomonas bacteria.”
Merab Chitanava, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Hazelnut Producers Association, explained that the situation has worsened annually, now affecting both foreign and local Georgian varieties.
“It started with imported varieties, but now our native cultivars are being hit as well. Once symptoms appear, the plant completely wilts within 10 days, mainly during June and July,” said Chitanava.
He added that while scientists continue to study the phenomenon, the extent of the damage this season cannot yet be precisely calculated. However, Samegrelo remains the most severely affected region.
In contrast to the disease outbreak, the association projects a strong harvest for 2025. Chitanava notes that, despite a rainy season, crop yields are expected to increase by 7–10% compared to last year.
“This year, we expect the harvest to reach around 50,000 tons, which is a notable increase from 2024,” he said.
In addition, the global market outlook is contributing to optimism among producers. International demand and price dynamics point to a stronger start to the hazelnut sales season this year.
“Prices are trending upward globally, and as a result, hazelnut sales in Georgia are expected to begin at a higher price point than last year. That gives us real optimism heading into the 2025 harvest,” Chitanava concluded.
