Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili paid a visit to the almond orchards of “Iori Farms” in Georgia’s Kakheti region, underscoring the growing significance of nut cultivation for the country’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Rural Development and Tourism reported.

“Iori Farms,” a beneficiary of state-supported initiatives including preferential agricultural loans and the “Plant the Future” grant program, currently cultivates over 350 hectares of almond orchards.

During the visit, Minister Songhulashvili emphasized the strategic potential of nut crops—particularly almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts—for both domestic production and international trade.

“Georgian hazelnut, almond, and walnut production is on the rise. This translates into increased domestic output and growing demand in global markets, which is reflected in our export numbers. This growth is directly strengthening Georgia’s economy,” the Minister stated.

The company collaborates closely with Spanish agricultural experts to implement tailored phytosanitary and fertilization plans that meet European standards, ensuring high-quality yields.

Looking ahead, Iori Farms plans to significantly scale up its exports. “In three years, we expect to export up to 160 tons of almonds. Once the orchards reach full maturity, our annual export potential will grow to 800–900 tons,” said Nino Tskhadaia, the company’s director.

The visit highlights ongoing efforts to modernize Georgian agriculture and position the country as a competitive exporter of high-quality nut products.