Meskheti, one of Georgia’s oldest cradles of viticulture, is renowned for its production of vine varieties cultivated at elevations ranging from 900 to 1700 meters above sea level. Traditional knowledge and practices had been at risk of disappearing until recent efforts to restore old vineyards on traditional terraces began to gain traction. Meskhetian vines offer special flavors and unique tastes, cultivated over centuries, embodying a rich heritage of knowledge and traditions. Despite numerous challenges, the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus continues to empower farmers through tailored training programs that blend traditional knowledge with modern techniques.
The training program was the result of collaboration with the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture (SRCA) and was led by Levan Ujmajuridze, a viticulture expert. The event was attended by 54 farmers and interested participants from Aspindza, Adigeni, and Akhaltsikhe municipalities, held in the settlement of Aspindza and the city of Akhaltsikhe. Topics covered included soil fertility, grapevine seedling and soil preparation techniques, vine cultivation and treatment measures from early spring to late autumn, and the care of vines during cold winter months.
Proper soil preparation and fertility management, along with the treatment of newly-planted vineyards to develop strong roots, are essential for ensuring healthy plants. The foundation of healthy, fertile soil lies in effective treatment and composting techniques. The planting and care of seedlings during their first year are crucial for the wine’s quality in later years. Sharing expertise and empowering farmers with modern techniques is a cornerstone of the project. The training provided participants with an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers on topics of interest, ensuring the transfer of agricultural practices that promote sustainability.
With support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC), the project, titled “Sustainable Management of Agricultural Biodiversity in Vulnerable Ecosystems and Rural Communities of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region in Georgia,” aims to restore and promote the endangered Meskhetian vine varieties in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The initiative focuses on transferring knowledge and experience to farmers, empowering them to implement targeted interventions in vineyard management.
“Such training programs empower farmers and transfer valuable knowledge, ensuring healthy plants and quality wines. I hope farmers will gain the necessary skills from qualified experts,” said Mr. Mamuka Khizadze, a farmer from the settlement of Aspindza, Aspindza Municipality.
“We don’t have qualified specialists in the region. Most pest shops offer a variety of pesticides without proper guidance. We need not only qualified seedlings and treatment measures but also on-site experts to diagnose problems and recommend appropriate actions,” remarked Mr. Emzar Gachechiladze, a farmer from the village of Zikilia, Akhaltsikhe Municipality.
The sessions were interactive, utilizing a Q&A format that encouraged active participation from the farmers. This approach allowed participants to test their knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions by exchanging practical perspectives with one another. By sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices, these programs represent a vital investment in the future of agriculture. As we navigate the complexities of a changing climate and globalized economy, the empowerment of farmers through education remains a cornerstone of resilience and adaptation in viticulture.