On 15 June 2021, the National Statistics Office of Georgia published its annual publication for the agricultural sector - Agriculture of Georgia 2020. According to the publication, agriculture, forestry, and fishing comprised 8.4% of GDP in 2020, higher than the 7.2% share in 2019, but in line with the general trend over the last five years (agricultural GDP comprising on average 7-8% of GDP). Agricultural GDP in nominal terms increased by 13% on an annual basis. While nominally there is quite a significant increase, in real terms, the change amounted to 4%. Compared to 2019, in 2020 the production of cereals increased by 11%, vegetables – by 8%, melons, and hay of annual grasses - by 5% and 4% respectively. As for sunflower, haricot beans, and hay of perennial grasses, their production decreased by 27%, 12%, and 10% respectively.
Production of all permanent crops except citrus increased annually by 8%-94% in 2020 compared to 2019. The biggest increase of 94% was observed in the case of pome fruit (apple, pear, quince), while production of citrus declined by 11%. As for livestock production, wool production increased by 6%, egg and milk production increased by 2% and 1% respectively, while meat production remained unchanged.
In terms of self-sufficiency ratios, there was no change for wheat which has stayed at the 15% mark for the last 4 years. There is a declining trend for maize, as its production is decreasing. The same is true for milk and milk products and vegetables. There has been a slight increase for meat and potatoes over the last 7 years and a slight reduction for eggs. The self-sufficiency rates for grapes and sheep and goat meat exhibit high volatility.