Georgia is rich in agricultural tradition which is an integral part of its history, mentality, and cultural heritage. Agriculture played an important role in the formation of the Georgian statehood and contributed much to its economic development.
Due to the last scientific researches, Georgia is considered the oldest producer of wine in the world. The first traces of wine manufacturing counts 8.000 years on the territory of Georgia. Georgians make and store wine in the huge clay amphora that is named Qvevri. Georgian qvevri wine-making method approved as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Georgia has mild climatic and natural conditions conducive to the development of agriculture. 43.4% of the whole territory of Georgia is designated as agricultural land which also includes pastures and meadows. Georgia has a wide variety of ecological and climatic zones favorable starting from the subtropical area by the Black Sea and ending with dry continental climate on the easter edge of the country, for the growth of different crops. Those crops include cereals, early and late vegetables, melons and gourds, potato, technical crops, grapes, subtropical crops, fruit variety etc.
From the climatic zones perspective, Georgian biosphere is diverse. There are 12 different zones and 49 types of soils in Georgia. Many endemic species create a perfect source for the development of plant growing and cattle breeding. The country is rich in agricultural technologies and potable water resources.
Georgia is characterized by altitudinal zonality. Only 39 % of arable land is located on elevation of 500 meters above the sea level, 29% – 500-1000 meters above the sea level, 21% – 1000-1500 meters and 11% is located over 1500 meters above the sea level.
