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Compiled by Messenger Staff
Friday, August 9
Deputy Minister says no more politicized vintage

Netgazeti reports that the Deputy Minister of Agriculture Davit Shervashidze hopes that wine production will no longer be a political issue in Georgia. According to the deputy minister, the government may not subsidize the vintage this year.

Shervashidze explained that if the Russian market's demand for Georgian wine matches the supply then Georgian wine producers will no longer be subsidized by the government.

"If the decision to subsidize this year's vintage will be made, money for this purpose will be distributed by the parliamentary agrarian committee and the ministry." said Shervashidze.



Georgian honey in demand in Russia and Europe

Netgazeti reports that the export of Georgian honey is part of the proposed comprehensive free trade agreement between Georgia and the EU. According to Georgian Ministry of Agriculture representative Zurab Chikuashvili, there is a great demand for Georgian honey in Europe and Russia.

"We have a project financed by the EU and we have already met with bee-keepers who produce a large amount of honey so that their product can be exported." Chikuashvili said at the parliamentary agrarian committee session.

According to Chikuashvili, there is no special laboratory in Georgia which can provide certificates for the testing of pesticides. This is why Georgian honey will be checked in Estonian or Swiss laboratories. However, Chikuasvhili stated that , a relevant lab will be established in Georgia as well.