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Jul. 28, 2023![](http://chilealimentos.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/frambuesas_georgia_699px.jpg)
Frambuesas: Georgia lucha contra el cambio climático
Raspberry season in Georgia started with climate-related challenges resulting in lower quality and quantity of the first harvest in June. Long rains coincided with the first harvest, causing certain farmers to suffer complete losses of early crops. Despite these challenges, the market supply has stabilized as the season progressed. However, with the conclusion of the summer picking phase and the anticipation of autumn harvesting resuming in the second half of August, slight price increases are expected in the upcoming weeks.
Raspberry season in Georgia started with climate-related challenges resulting in lower quality and quantity of the first harvest in June. Long rains coincided with the first harvest, causing certain farmers to suffer complete losses of early crops. Despite these challenges, the market supply has stabilized as the season progressed. However, with the conclusion of the summer picking phase and the anticipation of autumn harvesting resuming in the second half of August, slight price increases are expected in the upcoming weeks.
Climate-related difficulties are not new to this sector, prompting significant number of farmers to exit the market. However, those determined to stay actively seek ways to minimize risks associated with the weather. One potential solution discussed by the sector players is the production of raspberry in high tunnels, but unfortunately, only a few can afford this technology due to its high cost. Considering financial constraints and market uncertainties, many farmers are advocating for the involvement of state or donor organizations to support the adoption of high tunnel technology.
EastFruit reached out to different stakeholders within the sector to assess the current market conditions and explore possible future developments.
The farmers’ perspective
Farmers are facing a challenging dilemma. From the beginning, those who were unlucky to plant high-quality seedlings in suitable climates for open-field raspberry production are now contemplating whether to abandon their orchards altogether or, conversely, invest in technology to improve production. The current issue is that farmers are dissatisfied with the quality and quantity of their produce, as neither of these aspects meets their expectations, frequently leading to unprofitable production.
Those facing the most challenging circumstances have already exited the market. In 2022, the Georgian Berry Growers Association reported that more than 20% of the interviewed farmers, primarily from Kakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions, had left the market. However, as of 2023, the situation has worsened significantly, with TBC Capital, citing the association, reporting that over 50% of producers have left the market.
Zura Alavidze is among the affected farmers. He has cultivated raspberries on a 2.5-hectare plot in the Kakheti region since 2019. While the first two seasons showed moderate success, the harsh climate, specifically the heat in Kakheti region had a detrimental effect on the raspberry bushes. As a result, he decided to cut down the affected branches. In the current season, he is anticipating the first harvest after the renewal process, but the challenging climate remains a significant obstacle for his orchard. Alavidze thinks that protected cultivation is the only way to have stable quality which is crucial factor for price formation in both fresh and processed raspberries, even within the domestic market.
Full article here: https://east-fruit.com/en/horticulture-market/market-reviews/fight-against-climate-a-look-at-georgias-raspberry-market-and-its-prospects/
Eastfruit/July 23, 2023
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