On October 29, Tbilisi hosted the conference ‘The Potential of Blueberry Production and Modern Practices in the Agro-Industry,’ organized by Blue Garden at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event gathered leaders in agriculture, including members of the Georgian Blueberry Growers’ Association (GBGA), farmers, government representatives, and international agro-industry experts, to discuss expanding blueberry cultivation and sustainable agricultural practices in Georgia. Moderated by Shota Tsukoshvili, CEO of GBGA, the conference aimed to explore innovative solutions, share international expertise, and strengthen local agriculture for global competitiveness.
Nikoloz Didebashvili, CEO of Blue Garden, opened the conference, followed by a detailed presentation on the company’s journey and objectives. Established in 2020, Blue Garden aims to modernize Georgia’s agricultural landscape through a holistic approach, offering consulting, land development, agro products, infrastructure, and export support. Tornike Chkhaidze, consulting partner at Blue Garden, emphasized their end-to-end support for agribusinesses, helping local farmers access the latest resources and expertise.
Blue Garden, established in 2020, is a pioneering agro-consulting company dedicated to transforming Georgia’s agricultural landscape. With expertise spanning consulting, land development, agro products, infrastructure, and export services, Blue Garden provides end-to-end support to farmers and agribusinesses across the country. Their comprehensive services include technical land assessments, soil preparation, agronomic consulting, infrastructure setup, and supply chain management, ensuring local farms can compete on an international scale. Through strong collaborations with global agricultural leaders, Blue Garden brings advanced methods, sustainable solutions, and modern technologies to Georgian agriculture, helping local farmers increase productivity and access broader markets.
Blue Garden showcased its significant achievements, such as boosting agricultural yields and increasing employment. By connecting Georgian farmers with international partners like Legro, Pasquini & Bini, and Borusan CAT, they enable them to meet global standards and achieve sustainable growth. The company’s success stories highlight its role in transforming Georgian agriculture.
Each of Blue Garden’s partner companies offered insights from their experience in the international market. They spoke about modern methods for cultivating blueberries, the latest trends in industry development, global practices, and modern technologies
Erik Veenman, Legro Sales Manager, shared how Legro’s innovative substrates support optimal plant growth. Known for its high-quality, stable peat blends, Legro manages every step of its production to ensure consistency. Veenman discussed the challenges of adapting to the Georgian market and suggested that collaboration between government and business could enhance infrastructure and awareness of sustainable practices.
Ivan Mancini, Sales Director at Pasquini & Bini, spoke about their sustainable, recycled nursery solutions. Drawing on Italy’s expertise, Mancini highlighted the importance of eco-friendly materials, such as their Infinity Line pots made from Tetra Pak®. These products offer thermal benefits and are fully recyclable, demonstrating how sustainable practices can be integrated into agriculture. Mancini encouraged Georgia to adopt similar sustainable practices to elevate local agricultural standards.
Zafer Aksakal, Borusan CAT CEO, introduced his company’s work in sustainable energy solutions, including solar and hybrid systems. Operating in five countries, Borusan CAT addresses industrial needs with clean energy solutions. Aksakal emphasized the importance of raising awareness about green energy benefits in Georgia, and shared plans to expand their offerings for more sustainable agricultural development.
The GBGA, represented by Tornike Panjavidze and Shota Tsukoshvili, presented the state of blueberry cultivation in Georgia, outlining key goals, including export expansion to non-traditional markets, and the importance of diversifying trade. The association also highlighted logistical challenges and ongoing efforts to overcome them. Plans for a demonstration garden in eastern Georgia were announced, aiming to showcase best practices and involve industry stakeholders in collaborative efforts.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion involving GBGA members, donor organizations, farmers, and ministry representatives. Attendees discussed challenges, from logistics to market access, and explored pathways for growth. The GBGA reiterated its commitment to enhancing soil analysis and addressing excess levels to ensure optimal growing conditions for blueberries. The conference served as a platform for aligning efforts across sectors to support Georgia’s agricultural future.
The ‘Potential of Blueberry Production and Modern Practices in the Agro-Industry’ conference highlighted the shared mission of Blue Garden, GBGA, and their partners to elevate Georgia’s agricultural industry. By embracing innovation, sustainable practices, and collaboration, Georgia is well on its way to becoming a leader in blueberry cultivation and agro-industry excellence.
By Sofia Bochoidze
