OREANDA-NEWS. December 17, 2007. The Georgian Berry Producers Association, with support from USAID/AgVANTAGE, presented the first National Conference to address commercial production of small fruits in Georgia, AgVantage's press service announced. The conference was attended by experts invited from the USA, researchers, farmers, private sector and donor organization representatives. An educational program addressing a variety of potential commercial berry crops for Georgia was featured. Major purposes of the conference were to provide expert small fruits information for farmers, promote development of a commercial small fruits industry, and recruit additional members for the association. AgVANTAGE recognizes that the existence of a strong industry association of Georgian berry farmers and related industry representatives will be a major force for sustaining the small fruits industry development effort in Georgia.

World markets for berries are strong, and growing market demand continues to out-pace expanding production. As a high-value labor-intensive crop that can provide profitable enterprise on small-area farms, berry production, might be a ..good fit. as part of a development strategy to diversify Georgian agriculture and improve incomes for Georgian farmers.

Blueberry production, especially, may offer unique opportunity for Georgian farmers. In western Georgia, following the collapse of the former economy, more than 27,000 hectares of tea plantation have been idled. Site requirements for cultivated highbush blueberry production are similar to site requirements for Georgian tea. An AGVANTAGE feasibility study revealed that at maturity, a Georgian blueberry enterprise could be expected to realize net returns in excess of $8,000 USD per hectare.

Over the past three years, as part of the AgVANTAGE Commercial Small Fruits Initiative program, improved varieties of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries have been introduced and are being trialed in the Kaspi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, Senaki, Ozurgeti, and Gurjaani districts. Two demonstration farms have been established to showcase both fruits and western management practices and technologies. A new blueberry production management course will soon become available to students attending the Senaki Agricultural Technical College. In addition, two Georgian commercial fruit plant nurseries are being upgraded to produce berry rootstocks and plants for interested Georgian farmers.

At the beginning of 2007, AgVANTAGE Commercial Small Fruits Initiative stakeholders organized the Georgian Berry Producers Association. The association was formed to strengthen working relationships among Georgian farmers who share an interest in the development of commercial berry production enterprises, to sponsor research, to share information and expertise, and to promote the development of the small fruits industry. It is believed that the presence of an active industry association will contribute to the sustainability of small fruits industry development efforts in Georgia.