Tbilisi: Giorgi Khanishvili, the first Deputy Minister of Environment and Agriculture, met with representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts from Kansas State University.Â
 At the meeting, in order to identify challenges in the wheat sector in the country and to increase the sustainability of the wheat supply chain in Georgia, the primary results of the research conducted by American experts were discussed. Based on the final results of the study, the expert team will make relevant recommendations.
According to Giorgi Khanishvili, it is important for Georgia to increase both the quality and quantity of local wheat production and, with self-sufficiency, to replace dependence on international markets.
 “I want to thank you for your hard work. With competent final recommendations, a new phase in the wheat sector will begin related to food and seed production in the country. I think we can achieve our goal by working together and effectively”, – said Giorgi Khanishvili.
 As the head of the expert group, Allen Fiserston, noted, based on the results of the preliminary research conducted in the wheat sector, there is a real potential for Georgian production growth and quality improvement.
 “The project will be successful when Georgia achieves its main goal – increasing wheat production and satisfying the local market with its own capabilities,” said Allen Fiserston.
 The meeting also focused on the issue of wheat diseases, which is one of the main obstacles in increasing the yield of the crop.
 It is noteworthy, as part of the ongoing research, American experts have studied the active wheat production-supply chain in the country for a week, and met with the specialist of relevant services of the Agricultural Science and Research Center To all, farmers and tillers.
