Davit Songulashvili met with representatives of Georgia’s hazelnut sector within the Sectoral Council format, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture reported. According to Songulashvili, the main goal is to ensure that state support programs are better aligned with the real needs of farmers and contribute more effectively to sector development.
At the meeting, Songulashvili and industry representatives discussed improving hazelnut quality, strengthening competitiveness on international markets, expanding access to support schemes, and introducing modern agricultural technologies. Songulashvili also highlighted the importance of coordinated work between the state and the sector, noting that continuous communication is essential for addressing challenges.
Songulashvili said the Sectoral Council is designed as a permanent platform for dialogue with farmers and businesses. He stressed that support mechanisms should be tailored to real sector demands, including issues such as agricultural insurance, equipment co-financing, pest control, and access to qualified agronomists.
According to Geostat data presented during the discussion, Georgia exported $59.7 million worth of hazelnuts and other nuts in the first four months of 2026, up 63% year-on-year in value. Songulashvili noted that despite the growth, support programs must continue to evolve to maintain competitiveness, while the EU remains the main export market.
