Who We Are?
Georgian Blueberry Growers’ Association (GBGA) is the representative association of blueberry growers formed in 2022 to consolidate and progress the Georgian blueberry industry. One main goal of the association is to ensure the development of Georgian blueberry industry and adoption of new innovative technologies and techniques in the production. The market for blueberries is expanding worldwide due to the recognition of the blueberry’s great flavor and health benefits and putting Georgia on a map as one of the new and interesting producing countries is important for the development of the sector.
The objectives of the Georgian blueberry Growers Association (GBGA) are to advance the interest in the blueberry sector, to collect, analyze and circulate useful information relating to the blueberry production and marketing of blueberries. The goals of the association are to uncover new markets for Georgian blueberries, promote integrity, good faith and goodwill in the industry and help growers improve production techniques. Distributing and publishing valuable information, promoting betterment of the market and striving in all ways to promote the best interests of its members are the key objectives of the GBGA.
GBGA helps members increase experience and knowledge in different directions such as machine harvest, smart irrigation systems, precision agriculture, tunnel/greenhouse production, traceability systems, etc. GBGA employs local and international blueberry agronomists where agri-consultants serve as moderators and conduct weekly online meetings where the growers can get answers on their questions.
In the long run, the Georgian Blueberry Growers Association intends to promote good practice in blueberry operations across Georgia, with a particular emphasis on the following:
Responsible application and safe use of hazardous materials (such as chemicals) used in blueberry production
Sustainable farming practices that minimizes environmental and amenity impacts on surrounding areas
Ethical sourcing and engagement of labor
Traceability
Producing authentic products and compliance with international standards requires growers to implement traceability systems. Our goal is to achieve 100% traceability in the association by 2024. Traceable product passport that includes cultivation and post-harvest data will guarantee the transparency between growers and customers.
Digital Farming
By connecting with leading precision agriculture companies we strive to achieve economies of scale and sustainability in our production process. Using integrated remote sensing hardware and software solutions for crop health analysis and management enhances our farming intelligence. Adopting the good practices in chemical use will result in good practice management of water use and soil conservation.
Coordination and Cooperation
Coordination with external stakeholders such as USAID, CNFA, Ministry of Agricultural and Environmental Development help us organize the sector and strive to improve the operational process. Such cooperation is important to protect the interest of growers and solve the industry-wide challenges that arise from international trade risk.
New Technologies
Introducing machine harvest demos, implementing field scanning technologies, scheduling trainings for workers to improve knowledge about agri-processes, connecting growers with leading smart agri-tech hardware suppliers are small list of activities that association undertakes.
Knowledge-Sharing
On weekly conference calls growers, local and international agronomists can share their experience and ideas about different topics. Knowledge-sharing is important to advance the sector and keep up with the new trends in the industry.
Marketing
Unifying marketing effort to put Georgia on a map as a large-scale quality blueberry supplier is important to uncover new market opportunities.