Hazelnuts are one of the most important crops for Georgia in terms of export: between 2010-2021, they accounted for around 4.4% of total exports (GeoStat, 2022). In 2013, the quantity of exported hazelnuts reached its maximum level (30 ths. tons), in the following years, it then decreased to 19 ths. tons alongside an increase in value, thus indicating higher prices per exported kg of Georgian hazelnut.

The National Statistics Office of Georgia (GeoStat) recently published its economic review for II Quarter 2022. Their publication highlights that agricultural production increased by 10.9% in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2021.

In June 2022, the National Statistics Office of Georgia issued its annual publication on the agricultural sector – Agriculture of Georgia 2021. The publication estimates that agriculture, forestry, and fishing comprised 7% of the GDP in 2021, which was lower than the 8.3% share in 2020, but in line with the general trend over the last few years (agricultural GDP being 7-8% of GDP on average).

On 17 December 2021, the parliament of Georgia approved the state budget for 2022, with allocations of around 19.2 billion GEL. From which the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) will receive 593.1 million (3.1% of the total budget allocation).

During the last ten years, the Government of Georgia (GoG) has continuously subsidized grape, apple, and tangerine production throughout the country. Under the present tangerine subsidy program budget, 900 thousand GEL will be spent subsidizing ‘non-standard’ tangerines (relatively low-quality fruit). This subsidy program started on 25 November 2021 and will last until 1 February 2022.