First National Small Fruits Conference in Georgia
FROM THE REDACTION
The Georgian Berry Producers Association, with support from USAID/AgVANTAGE, presented the first National Conference to address commercial production of small fruits in Georgia.
The conference was attended by experts invited from the USA, researchers, farmers, private sector and donor organization representatives. An educational program addressed a variety of potential commercial berry crops for Georgia. Major purposes of the conference was to provide expert small fruits information for farmers, promote development of a commercial small fruits industry, and recruit additional members for the association. AgVANTAGE recognizes that the existence of a strong industry association of Georgian berry farmers and related industry representatives will be a major force for sustaining the small fruits industry development effort in Georgia.
World markets for berries are strong, and growing market demand continues to out-pace expanding production. As a high-value labor-intensive crop that can provide profitable enterprise on small-area farms, berry production, might be a “good fit” as part of a development strategy to diversify Georgian agriculture and improve incomes for Georgian farmers.
Blueberry production, especially, may offer unique opportunity for Georgian farmers. In western Georgia, following the collapse of the former economy, more than 27,000 hectares of tea plantation have been idled. Site requirements for cultivated highbush blueberry production are similar to site requirements for Georgian tea. An AgVANTAGE feasibility study revealed that at maturity, a Georgian blueberry enterprise could be expected to realize net returns in excess of $8,000 USD per hectare.
Over the past three years, as part of the AgVANTAGE Commercial Small Fruits Initiative program, improved varieties of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries have been introduced and are being trialed in the Kaspi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, Senaki, Ozurgeti, and Gurjaani districts. Two demonstration farms have been established to showcase both fruits and western management practices and technologies. A new blueberry production management course will soon become available to students attending the Senaki Agricultural Technical College. In addition, two Georgian commercial fruit plant nurseries are being upgraded to produce berry rootstocks and plants for interested Georgian farmers.
At the beginning of 2007, AgVANTAGE Commercial Small Fruits Initiative stakeholders organized the Georgian Berry Producers Association. The association was formed to strengthen working relationships among Georgian farmers who share an interest in the development of commercial berry production enterprises, to sponsor research, to share information and expertise, and to promote the development of the small fruits industry. It is believed that the presence of an active industry association will contribute to the sustainability of small fruits industry development efforts in Georgia.
###
About USAID in Georgia: During the past 15 years, American people, through USAID, have invested more than $800 million in Georgia. More than 20 projects worth $44 million a year are currently being implemented. These projects are designed to support Georgia’s transition to a free and prosperous democracy. They include initiatives to quicken economic growth, develop democratic institutions, and improve health and education. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information, please visit http://georgia.usaid.gov.