Georgian Agriculture Minister Otar Shamugia meets Regional Director of USDA

Minister of Environment and Agriculture Otar Shamugia met with Michael Francom, Regional Director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The needs and challenges of the sector to ensure the growth of crop production were discussed at the meeting. Talks focused on deepening trade relations between the two countries in the field of agriculture.

The Minister spoke about the challenges in the field of wheat production in the country and noted that the state plans to implement stimulus projects that will help increase wheat production and productivity.

“The current situation has shown us that it is important to increase the self-sufficiency rate with primary consumption products in the shortest possible time and to ensure food security. “I think we will be able to increase the wheat self-sufficiency rate in the country by at least about 50% in the coming years,” Otar Shamugia said.

Otar Shamugia, at the meeting, focused on the positive dynamics of the policy pursued by the Ministry in the field of export of agricultural products and noted that the number of countries where Georgian wine is exported is growing every year. As for the US market, Georgian wine exports last year amounted to about 1 million bottles.

Michael Francom said the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to help Georgia address challenges in the wheat sector.

Moreover, Francom highlighted ongoing projects implemented in Georgia by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), noting that the USDA is helping to improve the quality standards of locally produced dairy and beef products in the country.

The meeting was attended by USDA Representative in Georgia Demna Dzirkvadze and representatives of relevant agencies within the Ministry.