The Georgian government has decided not to continue the "Hazelnut Subsidy Program" in 2026, as the draft state budget for next year, totaling GEL 31 billion, does not include funds for the initiative. The program, which ran from 2023 to 2025, aimed to support primary hazelnut production by providing subsidies for the purchase of pesticides and agrochemicals necessary for cultivating and protecting hazelnut orchards. Over the three years, the state spent a total of 68 million GEL: 21.5 million in 2023, 22.7 million in 2024, and 23 million in 2025.
Gela Abuladze, a member of Giorgi Gakharia’s "For Georgia" party, questioned the decision in parliament, stressing that the program had a positive impact on both harvest quality and exports. He warned that discontinuing the subsidy could leave farmers vulnerable to the ongoing threat of the “Asian hornet,” potentially causing serious damage to hazelnut orchards.
Government’s Response
First Deputy Minister of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze explained that the program was originally intended as one-year support but was extended for three years based on necessity. He emphasized that hazelnut farming is now a profitable sector, and farmers should be able to manage their own harvests.
Kakauridze noted that farmers already possess the necessary equipment for pest control, purchased over previous years, and additional government subsidies are not meant to be permanent. Measures against pests, including spraying against the Asian hornet, will continue under the Food Safety Service budget for 2026.
Program Scope and Impact
According to the Agricultural Development Agency, as of August 31, 2025, the program had 60,715 unique beneficiaries (105,458 total beneficiaries across multiple orchards), covering 41,980 hectares. Farmers received 20,990,460 points/GEL in 2025, of which 19,524,190 GEL were cashed out.
Production and Exports
Hazelnut production in Georgia has grown steadily: 33,400 tons in 2021, 36,900 tons in 2023, and 43,600 tons in 2024. In 2025, the Association of Hazelnut Growers estimated a harvest of 40,000–42,000 tons. Over the first ten months of 2025, Georgia earned $115 million from hazelnut exports, with the European Union as the main market.
