Tbilisi (GBC) - This year, 19 million GEL will be spent on the promotion of export agro-food products, and 16 million of this will be used for activities to increase awareness of Georgian wine.

The Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, stated the importance of increasing funding and increased activities at the plenary session of the Parliament, while presenting the annual report.

In 2023, 14 million GEL was allocated to the promotion of Georgian wine. Farmers participated in more than 140 exhibitions in 15 countries. including in Japan, USA, France.

Shamugia reported on last year's record export of wine to 66 countries. In 2023, $455 million worth of wine and spirits were sold, a 16% year-over-year increase.

However, after the pandemic, 2023 is the first year of increase in the value of wine. The average price has increased by 40%.

While presenting the annual report, Shamugia also announced the steps to strengthen food safety. This year, 40 new methods of analysis will be introduced, including 19 in the direction of fish diseases. He also mentioned land cadaster and reclamation works.