Research Articles
Vol. 13 No. sp7 (2026): International Conference on Agricultural Sustainability
Financial sustainability of Georgian agribusiness: An empirical and policy analysis
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, Ninoshvili 35, Batumi 6010, Georgia
Abstract
The agricultural sector remains a vital component of Georgia's economy, with agribusiness playing a key role in rural employment, food security and export potential. However, the financial sustainability of agribusiness faces significant challenges due to market volatility, limited access to finance, infrastructure constraints and climate-related risks. This study evaluates the financial sustainability of Georgian agriculture by analysing sector-specific financial indicators, institutional support mechanisms and structural bottlenecks. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including financial ratio analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) assessment, the study identifies critical risk factors and highlights untapped opportunities for growth and resilience. The regression results indicate that liquidity has a statistically significant positive effect on profitability, while leverage and climate-related risks negatively affect financial performance. Findings suggest that while the sector has considerable development potential, particularly through modernisation, improved access to finance and integration into the European Union (EU) market, systemic weaknesses must be addressed through targeted government policies, strategic investment and capacity-building initiatives. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of the financial viability of Georgia's agribusiness sector and offers policy-oriented recommendations to support long-term sustainable development.
References
- 1. FAO. Georgia: Agricultural sector review. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2024.
- 2. Aisaiti G, Liu L, Xie J, Yang J. An empirical analysis of rural farmers’ financing intention of inclusive finance in China: The moderating role of digital finance and social enterprise embeddedness. Ind Manag Data Syst. 2019;119(7):1535–63. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-08-2018-0374
- 3. Liu T, He G, Turvey CG. Inclusive finance, farm households entrepreneurship and inclusive rural transformation in rural poverty-stricken areas in China. Emerg Mark Finance Trade. 2019;57(7):1929–58. https://doi.org/10.1080/1540496X.2019.1694506
- 4. Imanuella SF, Idris A, Kamaruddin N. Social entrepreneurship and rural development in post-independence Indonesia. Soc Enterp J. 2025;21(1):46–66. https://doi.org/10.1108/SEJ-12-2023-0155
- 5. Katamadze D, Abuselidze G, Katamadze G. Problem of agribusiness management in Georgia. Int Multidiscip Sci GeoConf SGEM. 2020;20(5.2):389–400. https://doi.org/10.5593/sgem2020/5.2/s21.048
- 6. Locke S. Regional development policy and small medium enterprise financial performance. Australas J Reg Stud. 2006;12(2):191–204.
- 7. Gadanakis Y. Advancing farm entrepreneurship and agribusiness management for sustainable agriculture. Agriculture. 2024;14(8):1288. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081288
- 8. Sheyoputri ACA. Theoretical review: Financial management in the agribusiness sector and its implications for economic growth. Atestasi J Ilm Akunt. 2024;7(2):828–51. https://doi.org/10.57178/atestasi.v7i2.887
- 9. Iotti M, Bonazzi G. Financial sustainability in agri-food companies: The case of members of the PDO Parma Ham Consortium. Sustainability. 2023;15(5):3947. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053947
- 10. Dono G, Buttinelli R, Cortignani R. Financial performance of connected agribusiness activities in Italian agriculture. Bio-based Appl Econ. 2022;11(2):147–69. https://doi.org/10.36253/bae-12211
- 11. Brenya R, Akomea-Frimpong I, Ofosu D, Adeabah D. Barriers to sustainable agribusiness: A systematic review and conceptual framework. J Agribus Dev Emerg Econ. 2023;13(4):570–89. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-08-2021-0191
- 12. García CR, Marín H. An integrated model to study the structural and financial sustainability of agricultural enterprises. Acta Hortic. 2005;674:313–20. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.674.37
- 13. Szafraniec-Siluta E, Strzelecka A, Ardan R, Zawadzka D. Determinants of financial security of European Union farms—A factor analysis model approach. Agriculture. 2024;14(1):119. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14010119
- 14. Imanbayeva Z, Abuselidze G, Bukharbayeva A, Jrauova K, Oralbayeva A, Kushenova M. State regulation of the digital transformation of agribusiness in the context of the climate crisis intensification. Economies. 2024;12(10):270. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12100270
- 15. Oostendorp R, van Asseldonk M, Gathiaka J, Mulwa R, Radeny M, Recha J, et al. Inclusive agribusiness under climate change: A brief review of the role of finance. Curr Opin Environ Sustain. 2019;41:18–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2019.09.014
- 16. Polukhin AA, Panarina VI. Financial risk management for sustainable agricultural development based on corporate social responsibility in the interests of food security. Risks. 2022;10(1):17. https://doi.org/10.3390/risks10010017
- 17. World Bank. Georgia agricultural sector update. Washington (DC): World Bank; 2022.
- 18. National Statistics Office of Georgia. Agriculture of Georgia – Statistical yearbook 2010–22. Tbilisi: Geostat; 2023.
- 19. OECD Publishing. Innovation, productivity and sustainability in food and agriculture: Main findings from country reviews and policy lessons. Paris: OECD Publishing; 2020.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.