Richel and Certhon realize Georgia's largest greenhouse complex

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili visited Georgia's largest greenhouse complex, "Planta", which is located in Gardabani. The greenhouse is equipped with modern European technologies. "Planta" is administered by the Georgian Co-investment Fund that has been implemented in cooperation with the French Richel Group and Dutch Certhon. The first stage of the 4.4 ha project was finalized in 2015. As a result of implementing the second stage of the project in 2016, the "Planta" complex was expanded to 12 ha. So far, 22.2 million USD has been invested in the project.

The Prime Minister of Georgia visited the greenhouse farm and assessed the importance of the project. He commended the positive role played by the Georgian Co-investment Fund in developing local industry and fostering employment opportunities. Giorgi Kvirikashvili indicated that the "Planta" project will ensure that Georgian agricultural products compete with the goods imported from neighbouring states.

"As a result of this investment, 250 persons will be employed here. Products meeting the modern European standards produced here will be sold at the local market and be exported. This is a clear example of using existing opportunities, including the Free Trade Agreement with the EU to increase local investments and employment opportunities. I would like to reiterate that this means 250 employed people and well-off families. This means import replacement, local products of higher quality and an export capacity that has particular significance for the country. It is also noteworthy that two leading European companies, French 'Richel' and Dutch 'Certhon' participated in the project - their technologies have been widely utilized here. These are the most up-to-date machineries and I am very glad that an agricultural enterprise of such a quality exists in Georgia today," the Prime Minister stated.

The "Planta" greenhouse complex is the largest in Georgia and utilizes the most up-to-date technologies. Experienced Dutch and French agro engineers, technologists and biologists supervise the working process in the greenhouse. The products manufactured at the greenhouse complex carry the "Planta" trademark. "Planta" offers its customers cucumber and tomato crops. These greenhouses have produced 2000 tons of goods during the previous years. After covering an area of 12 ha and tripling the acreage, its annual production capacity will exceed 6000 tons. Currently 146 people (mainly local residents) are employed at the enterprise. By the end of 2016 the number of employed persons will increase to 250.

Source: Government of Georgia

Publication date: Tue 1 Nov 2016