In Georgia, in 2022, they will start growing sweet potatoes in demonstration plots

Last week, USAID's Potato Program in Georgia and the International Potato Center (CIP) organized a sweet potato (yam) event in Tbilisi. The purpose of the event was to assess the local demand and interest of farmers in the production of sweet potatoes. Guests from donor organizations, farmers' associations, hospitality industry and retail trade were invited to participate in the panel discussion. Traditionally, sweet potatoes are not produced in Georgia, although there are some producers. It is mainly imported from the Netherlands and sold in large supermarket chains. During the panel discussion, representatives of restaurants and supermarkets noted that Georgian consumers are not familiar with this product, but they expect that as more people follow a healthy lifestyle or choose vegetarian cuisine, local demand for sweet potatoes will increase. So far, the buyers of sweet potatoes in Georgia are young parents, tourists, or those who are used to this product while living abroad. ...