Berry production: an opportunity for small farmers

Most small fruits have never been commercially grown in Georgia. The present primary production areas are located in the Kakheti, Imereti, Shida Kartli and Adjara regions, and the total commercial production area covers approximately 150 hectares. The berry varieties grown most frequently in Georgia are strawberries, red currants, raspberries and gooseberries. Nearly all of their production is sold on the domestic market. The higher quality berries supply the fresh fruit market while lower grade products are used for jams and sauces.
Before the new berry varieties were introduced in Georgia, a series of training courses were offered which sought to introduce farmers to the potential for new berry varieties, techniques for establishing plantations, best cultural practices, pest management and other related topics. One objective of this activity is to offer smallholder farmers, who have one or two hectares of available land, a high-value crop alternative and to demonstrate the benefits of improved varieties, production technologies and practices. Berries are high-value labor-intensive crops that can provide profitable enterprise for small-scale producers.
Georgian Berry Producers Association founded in 2006, currently brings together nine farmers from the Imereti, Shida Kartli, Guria, Kakheti and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions and is open to including additional members from all parts of Georgia to share knowledge and experience. The services provided to the farmers include consultations, educational events and marketing assistance. The long-term aim of the association is to elaborate a strategy for developing a sustainable commercial berry crop industry in Georgia.