A team of Turkish scientists has visited Georgia’s main hazelnut-growing regions to investigate a disease causing tree decline and economic losses in the sector.
The four-member team from the Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute in Türkiye surveyed hazelnut orchards and collected samples in Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, and Kakheti. The samples will be analyzed in Turkish laboratories to identify the causes of the dieback and help develop recommendations for managing the problem.
The mission was organized with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in cooperation with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).
The visit included technical exchanges with the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Institute of Phytopathology and Biodiversity, the Scientific Research Center of Agriculture, and AgriGeorgia, Ferrero’s hazelnut division.
FAO said the mission builds on its ongoing support for Georgia’s hazelnut sector under the EU- and Sweden-funded ENPARD IV program, which includes farmer training, knowledge exchange, and assistance with equipment to improve production efficiency, food safety, and competitiveness.
Georgia’s hazelnut orchards cover 58,000 hectares and provide income for nearly 72,000 farming households across the country.
Laboratory analysis in Türkiye will determine the pathogens responsible for the tree decline, after which scientists are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for controlling the spread of the problem.
