David Songulashvili Visits Honey Production Facility in Racha

 
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. David Songulashvili, visited the Ambrolauri town, where he toured the honey processing facility operated by the cooperative “Racha Natural Products.”

 

The cooperative is a beneficiary of the Rural Development Agency, benefitting from the “Preferential Agrocredit” program multiple times to expand its operations. Additionally, under the “Technical Assistance Program,” the company received co-financing for product branding. The facility has an annual processing capacity of up to 200 tonnes of honey, which is primarily sold in bulk on the local market.

 

“Supporting the production and export of Georgian honey is a key priority. Our country has the potential to become a recognized supplier of high-quality honey on international markets. Notably, honey was the first animal-origin product exported from Georgia to the European Union. Various state programs support honey production. Meanwhile, laboratory capacities have been significantly improved, and the State Laboratory of Agriculture is now equipped with methodologies to test honey across multiple parameters. Support for honey producers includes not only financial and technological assistance but also access to modern expertise and marketing opportunities. Through state support programs, Georgian entrepreneurs actively participate in leading international agri-exhibitions. By strengthening every link in the value chain, we are creating the conditions necessary to increase both the production and sales of Georgian honey,” stated Minister Songulashvili.

 

During the visit, the Minister met with local beekeepers and received a comprehensive overview of the current state of the beekeeping and honey production value chain.

 

Since 2013, under the Preferential Agrocredit Program, over GEL 70 million in agricultural loans have been issued nationwide to support honey production, with more than GEL 17 million provided as co-financing by the Rural Development Agency. In the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region alone, over GEL 730,000 in agro-loans have been issued for this purpose, with the Agency’s co-financing exceeding GEL 170,000.

 

Mr. Papuna Margvelidze, State Representative in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region; Mr. Gocha Enukidze, Member of Parliament representing the region; Mr. Giorgi Avaliani, Acting Director of the Rural Development Agency; and representatives of local self-government, accompanied the Minister.