The Georgian government has allocated 14 million GEL in subsidies to assist in the harvesting of grapes damaged by heavy hail in the wine region of Kakheti on August 27 and September 2.
The government is also subsidizing the 2021 grape harvest to financially support farmers during the pandemic.
In August, heavy hail and strong winds destroyed 4,600 ha of vineyards in about 30 villages in the municipalities of Kvareli, Telavi and Gurjaani.
To save the remaining grapes farmers decided to start the grape harvest in August, instead of in September.
As of September 29, about 200,000 tons of grapes have been processed in Kakheti.
About 20,000 farmers received 220 million GEL by selling harvested grapes. (Agenda/Business World Magazine)