Keystone Agro

Keystone Agro specializes in cultivating, processing, and producing high-quality blueberries. Located in the stunning landscape of the Caucasus Mountains, our plantation spans 200+ hectares, breathing new life into the area once famous for its plentiful tea plantations that were abandoned after the downfall of the Soviet Union. Premium patented blueberry varieties from Fall Creek and utilizing different growing systems enable us to pick juicy, crunchy, and delicious blueberries from mid-May to the beginning of August. 

We continuously improve our knowledge through collaborations with international agronomists and utilize precision agriculture systems to achieve sustainable farming practices that ensure minimal environmental impact. Our mission is to cultivate top-quality blueberries while safeguarding the flora and fauna and minimizing the use of pesticides. 

To implement coordination/collaboration practices in the industry and improve our knowledge about blueberries, we have established the Georgian Blueberry Grower's Association, comprising 21 orchards that have consolidated efforts in putting Georgia on a map as an appealing blueberry-producing country. 

 

In 2023, we decided to partner with Prize Superfruits and became one of the biggest growers for high-chill Sekoya Club Varieties.

The cultivated areas of blueberry orchards have been increasing rapidly in Georgia. However, the season length has remained more or less the same. Currently, 85% of Georgia's blueberries are harvested from 2nd week of June to 2nd week of July, resulting in peak supply. Our strategic approach to business was to develop the sales channels and offer the market quality blueberries for three months. Our new 12-ha project is in tunnels and shade nets, respectively, giving us the ability to extend the harvesting season.

We have selected different varieties and growing systems (pots, tunnels, shade nets) to distribute our aggregate 3000-ton production in 12 weeks.

In the long run, the Keystone Agro intends to promote good practice in blueberry operations across Georgia, with a particular emphasis on the following:

  • Responsible application and safe use of hazardous materials (such as chemicals) used in blueberry production

  • Sustainable farming practices that minimizes environmental and amenity impacts on surrounding areas

  • Ethical sourcing and engagement of labor

Traceability

Producing authentic products and compliance with international standards requires growers to implement traceability systems. Our goal is to achieve 100% traceability in the association by 2024. Traceable product passport that includes cultivation and post-harvest data will guarantee the transparency between growers and customers.

Digital Farming

By connecting with leading precision agriculture companies we strive to achieve economies of scale and sustainability in our production process. Using integrated remote sensing hardware and software solutions for crop health analysis and management enhances our farming intelligence. Adopting the good practices in chemical use will result in good practice management of water use and soil conservation.

Coordination and Cooperation

Coordination with external stakeholders such as USAID, CNFA, Ministry of Agricultural and Environmental Development help us organize the sector and strive to improve the operational process. Such cooperation is important to protect the interest of growers and solve the industry-wide challenges that arise from international trade risk.

New Technologies

Introducing machine harvest demos, implementing field scanning technologies, scheduling trainings for workers to improve knowledge about agri-processes, connecting growers with leading smart agri-tech hardware suppliers are small list of activities that association undertakes.

Knowledge-Sharing

On weekly conference calls growers, local and international agronomists can share their experience and ideas about different topics. Knowledge-sharing is important to advance the sector and keep up with the new trends in the industry.

Marketing

Unifying marketing effort to put Georgia on a map as a large-scale quality blueberry supplier is important to uncover new market opportunities.