The Georgian government has decided to implement the "Co-financing Cold Storage Facilities for Berry Crops Storage for Agricultural Cooperatives" state program.
Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, has reported that over 2,500 hectares of blueberries have been planted in recent years under the "Set the Future" program, with a projected yield of up to 25,000 tons in the coming years.
In the seventh month of this year, Georgia exported 3,000 tons of blueberries worth more than $18mn, a 118% increase from the same period last year, according to EastFruit.
To ensure that farmers in Western Georgia can make the most of the upcoming blueberry harvest, it is crucial to support them in creating refrigerated storage facilities. This will allow them to store their crop and sell it gradually, as berry crops are perishable.
Minister Shamugia believes that this state program will be a vital support for small and medium-sized farmers.
The Rural Development Agency will implement the program, funding at least 30 tons of storage refrigerators.
The co-financing per potential beneficiary is limited to 70% of the cost of the refrigerator storage, not exceeding GEL 250,000 (approximately $96,000).
To participate in the program, an agricultural cooperative and/or at least five of its subordinate institutions must have a blueberry orchard, brambles, or raspberries in at least 10 hectares in one municipality as part of a project/program.
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