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“The strengthening of our country, economic development, food security, social stability and, of course, a strong countryside and a strong agricultural sector all depend on the work of farmers,” stated Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia in his address at an event marking Farmer’s Day.

According to the Government Administration, the Head of Government of Georgia congratulated representatives of the agribusiness sector on Farmer’s Day and thanked them for their hard work.

“Your work is one of the most important expressions of patriotism. We have made significant progress in agriculture across all areas. This progress is reflected in concrete results. Last year, total agribusiness output reached nearly 20 billion GEL, an improvement of 2.5 times compared to 2012. GDP generated in agriculture increased to 5.4 billion GEL and currently accounts for almost 6% of the national economy. The number of people employed in rural areas exceeded 577 000, while the unemployment rate declined to 11.2%.

These results demonstrate that we are making steady progress, although agriculture requires continuous attention and development. The state is doing a great deal to support this and will continue to do so in the future,” noted Irakli Irakli Kobakhidze.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister of Georgia also spoke about state programs supporting farmers and strengthening rural Georgia.

“Alongside the hard work and professionalism of our farmers, consistent government policy has made a major contribution to the sustained and steady strengthening of agriculture. It is precisely the result of this policy that Georgian agri-food products are establishing a strong position in international markets.

Last year, exports of agri-food products to over 110 countries reached a historic high of 1.845 billion USD. The upward trend has continued this year as well, with exports in the first seven months already 14% higher than in the same period last year.

Overall, the sector currently accounts for almost one-quarter, or 24%, of Georgia’s total exports.

To further consolidate these achievements, increase local production, substitute imports and strengthen export potential, this year we launched the unified State Program for Agro Co-Financing and the Farmers’ Registry.

It is particularly encouraging that young people are becoming increasingly interested in this field, while the number of women farmers is also growing. All of this is bringing new energy to agriculture. Young people are introducing new knowledge, modern technologies and the energy needed for the continued strengthening and development of Georgian agriculture,”added the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture David Songhulashvili also congratulated representatives of the agribusiness sector on Farmer’s Day.

For their outstanding contribution to the development of agriculture, the Minister presented awards to 10 farmers.

Together with the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the Prime Minister of Georgia toured an exhibition of agri-food products.

Members of the Government and Parliament of Georgia attended the event.