Georgian Government steps up support for tea industry

The Government of Georgia is launching a state program to rehabilitate the country’s tea plantations to encourage development of tea production in the country.

Within the Georgian Tea state program, 7,000 hectares of tea plantations will be rehabilitated step by step in Georgia.

At the same time, the state will support small tea processing business and launch certification programs together with donor organisations to ensure tea production in Georgia meets high standards. All these efforts will make it easier for Georgian tea to be exported to European markets.

The Georgian Tea program was created by Georgia’s Agriculture and Economy Ministries.

On a similar note, the Government will also establish a state program that supported tea storage facilities to expand the country’s tea season and allow tea products to be better stored.

Georgia’s Agriculture Minister Otar Danelia said every year Georgia lost 15 to 20 percent of fruit and vegetable harvest due to a lack of storage facilities and he did not want the same happening to Georgia’s tea production.

The Minister said the entire tea industry would be offered some support but Georgia’s high mountain regions would be given more support than some other areas of the country.

The Government revealed 12 municipalities with the lowest economic activities. In these regions Danelia promised locals would see and enjoy "important benefits”.

The Minister said the two state programs would begin next year. (agenda.ge)