The Ministry of Finance of Georgia has published a semi-annual report on the execution of the 2023 budget. According to the document, as part of the hazelnut subsidy program launched this year, a subsidy of GEL 22 million (US$ 8.44 million - at the current exchange rate) was paid to 61,000 recipients.
Within the framework of the hazelnut production promotion program, 62,474 unique beneficiaries (hazelnut growers – individuals who own or use hazelnut orchards of 0.2 to 3 hectares) were registered with the area of hazelnut plots (including co-owners - 90,756 beneficiaries), the registered area is more than 44.5 thousand ha, and the total amount of the subsidy to be provided is GEL 22.3 million (US$ 8.56 million).
As of June 30, 2023, points have been credited to 60,674 unique beneficiaries, and the subsidized area amounted to 43.5 thousand hectares. In the reporting period, GEL 22.2 million (US$ 8.52 million) was allocated for the implementation of the program," the report on budget execution reads.
Within the program, hazelnut growers – individuals who own or use hazelnut orchards of 0.2 to 3 hectares, will receive a subsidy from the state of 500 GEL ($192) per 1 ha.
The hazelnut subsidy program was approved by the government of Georgia amid declining sector revenues. In the first half of 2023, the country sold 7.3 thousand tons of hazelnuts worth US$36 million, while for the same period last year, exports amounted to US$41 million and 8.3 thousand tons.
