Sheep breeding issues in Georgia

Until recently Georgia's sheep breeding industry was under crisis, with no demand for either lamb or wool. In 2009 the situation changed suddenly and dramatically, with Georgia exporting 266 000 sheep to various Arab states and Iran. While this resulted in rapid rise in price of sheep, in order to make the industry profitable it is important that the export policy should be balanced as the Georgian flock has decreased sharply by 17%. The Statistics department reports that as of July 1, 2010 there were 900 000 sheep and goats in Georgia up to, whereas in the same period of last year there were 1 million. Specialists expressed concern that if exports continue without any control the number of sheep in the country could diminish radically, if some necessary steps are not taken soon. Serious and solid support from the state is essential and such steps should be taken urgently.