BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 21
Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
Within the framework of Rtveli - 2021, 148,000 tons of grapes were processed in the Kakheti region of Georgia from August 27 through September 21, Trend reports citing the Georgian National Wine Agency.
Some 15,000 farmers handed over grapes to the factories, earning about 160 million lari ($51.6 million).
Within the framework of Rtveli, up to 85,000 tons of "Rkatsiteli" grapes, up to 52,000 tons of "saperavi" grapes, 3,000 tons of "kakhuri mtsvane" grapes have already been processed. The rest is grapes of other varieties.
Up to 185 large, small and medium-sized wineries accept grapes of the new harvest.
This year, the Ministry of Agriculture expects a high-quality grape harvest. At the same time, the state plans to industrialize 300,000 tons of grapes.
In 2020, the country harvested and processed up to 280,000 tons of grapes, which is an absolute record in the history of Georgia. More than 25,000 farmers donated grapes, their income amounted to 310 million lari ($100 million).
In order to support wine farmers, the Georgian government decided to subsidize two grape varieties - "Rkatsiteli" and "Kakhuri Mtsvane", which are mainly grown in Kakheti. Some 100 million lari ($32.2 million) has been allocated for subsidies.
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