BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 15. Georgia plans to build new laboratories in Tbilisi and Kutaisi from 2022 through 2025 in order to increase food quality through research, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Otar Shamugia said during the “ministerial hour” at the parliament, Trend reports via the Ministry.
According to the minister, the State Laboratory of Agriculture has already allowed to do research on honey production and increase its quality. He also noted that honey was the first food product to meet the requirements for exports to the EU countries.
During the recent year Georgia was able to update over 150 existing standards and introduce 98 new ones at the state laboratory.
Shamugia added that the State Laboratory of Agriculture will monitor other laboratories, introduce new measures, and conduct professional tests.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s honey exports over 2021 amounted to $657,320, which is an increase of 436.3 percent, compared to 2020 ($122,550). The main countries for honey exports from Georgia in the reporting period were France ($309,120), Bulgaria ($188,330), and Qatar ($26,250).
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @mariiiakhm