Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture says there are no plans at this stage to introduce a separate subsidy program for the hazelnut sector. The ministry told BM.GE that support for hazelnut farmers will instead be included within a new, broader co-financing program launching on July 1, which covers all agricultural sectors.
Hazelnut producers have previously called for the restoration of targeted subsidies, citing challenges such as sudden tree decline. Farmers say financial assistance remains particularly important for small household farms, which make up the majority of hazelnut orchards in Georgia.
The ministry says farmers affected by crop diseases can seek support from the Agricultural Scientific-Research Center and the Rural Development Agency’s advisory services. These bodies provide consultations on disease identification, orchard assessment, and preventive and management practices to reduce damage.
According to the ministry, field studies, laboratory research, and training sessions on hazelnut decline have been ongoing since 2024, including work with international experts. Georgia’s hazelnut subsidy program was discontinued in 2026 after a total of GEL 68 million in public spending between 2023 and 2025.
