The impact of the local and international markets on prices was evaluated by farmers with EastFruit. Last year, growing greens was not so profitable for Georgian producers: if last year the wholesale price of 1 kilogram was GEL 4, this year it has increased to GEL 7.
In recent years, Russian and Ukrainian markets, where Georgian herbs were mainly exported, were replaced by Iranian products. And now, when the season is coming to an end in Iran, the demand for Georgian vegetables has increased.
According to the farmers, the end of winter and the beginning of spring is a temporary means for Georgia to get a high price for the mentioned products, because there is no competition during this period.
In addition to Iran, Russia and Ukraine also buy greens from Uzbekistan, but due to this year's low temperatures, the Georgian greens season will be extended.
Besides the demand, the local production trends also affect prices. According to Georgian farmers, many producers have decided to reduce the production of greens compared to the 2022 season. They believe that fennel production in the Imereti region [western part of Georgia] may decrease by at least 30%.
Prices are also affected by heavy snowfall in the regions of Western Georgia, which causes delays in harvesting. Farmers expect the price of greens to increase even more in the coming weeks.