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Finding new markets is apple farmers’ core challenge

By M. Alkhazashvili

(Translated by Diana Dundua)
Wednesday, November 28
Georgia’s apple harvest is expected to reach 150 000 tons this year, although there are fears that it will be hard to find markets to shift the produce.

On November 26 the Ministry of Agriculture opened an office in Shida Kartli province to assist in marketing the apple harvest.

Russia was a major market for Georgian apples before Moscow imposed a blanket trade embargo last year.

After a fruitful grape harvest this year, prices plummeted leaving many farmers in financial difficulty. Winemakers were severely affected by the Russian embargo, decreasing the demand for grapes.