Presenting Planta - the Largest Greenhouse in Georgia
On Wednesday, Georgia’s Co-Investment Fund (GCF) presented the largest greenhouse complex in the country - Planta. The complex is another successful investment project administered by the GCF, implemented in cooperation with the French Richel Group and Dutch Company Certhon.
The greenhouse is located in Gardabani, Kakheti region, and its first stage, which envisaged developing the greenhouse complex on an area of 4.4 hectares, was finalized in 2015. More than 10 million GEL was initially invested in the project.
The second stage was implemented in 2016 and the complex was extended to 12 hectares, which enabled the complex to triple its production. The investment of the project was increased to USD 22.2 million.
Planta greenhouse is equipped with modern technologies and has experienced Dutch and French agro engineers, technologists and biologists supervising the working process. The high quality products grown in the greenhouse complex carry the trademark of Planta. It is the only exporter of cucumber in Georgia, exporting large quantities to the Russian Federation.
This greenhouse complex has been producing 2000 tons of goods per year but since increasing the greenhouse area, annual production capacity is now expected to exceed 6000 tons.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, and other government officials visited the complex on Wednesday. Kvirikashvili noted that Georgia’s Co-investment Fund plays an important role in developing local industry and fostering employment opportunities.
“I am very glad that an agricultural enterprise of such high quality exists in Georgia today," the Prime Minister stated, adding that the production of Planta, which meets European standards, will be sold on the local market and will also be exported.
“This is a clear example of using existing opportunities, including the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, to increase local investment and employment opportunities,” said Kvirikashvili.
146 local residents are currently employed at the enterprise but this is expected to increase to 250 by the end of the year.
Thea Morrison