Amid protests in Kakheti and following an increase in grape procurement prices, local winegrowers have begun delivering their harvest to a winery in Kvareli.
According to the State Representative (Governor) in the Kakheti region, Platon Kalmakhelidze, the government has reached a compromise that takes into account both the interests of the public and the preservation of wine quality.
“Very favorable terms have been offered to the public. I believe people have welcomed this with satisfaction. As you can see, the plant has opened, and the harvest delivery process is underway. The government has never been out of touch with the people, nor is it today. This decision was made in the public’s best interest to alleviate their hardship,” Kalmakhelidze stated.
According to Georgian media reports, the revised rates were deemed acceptable by some farmers, while others were fully satisfied with the agreement reached.
“Previously, the terms were unacceptable; now they are fine. I brought grapes with a sugar content above 21 degrees. I delivered them at 1.5 lari. I agree with today’s decision. As far as I know, everyone supports it, and the farmers are satisfied,” the IPN news agency quoted Dato Datunashvili as saying.
“From what I have observed, the announced prices satisfy some people, while remaining unacceptable to others,” another producer noted.
Following the winegrowers’ protests, the Georgian government decided to lower the minimum sugar content standard from 17% to 16%, while procurement prices increased by 30–50 tetri. Specifically, standard-grade Saperavi grapes with a sugar content above 20 degrees will fetch 1.50 lari, while Rkatsiteli and other varieties above 19 degrees will be priced at 1.30 lari. In the lower-grade category (from 16 to 20 degrees), Saperavi will yield 1 lari, while Rkatsiteli and other varieties (from 16 to 19 degrees) will fetch 90 tetri.
Farmers in Kvareli and Gurjaani had previously rallied outside wineries for two days, protesting low purchase prices and refusing to deliver their harvested crops.
