PRESS RELEASE October 4, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: armecon@speakeasy.net ;Web:

Armenian Agriculture Minister Calls on U.S. Counterpart

On September 26, 2005, Armenia’s Agriculture Minister Davit Lokian met with
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to discuss U.S.-Armenian cooperation
in the area of agriculture. Ambassador Tatoul Markarian also took part in
the meeting. Minister Lokian expressed his appreciation for the past USDA
programs in Armenia, which he said strengthened food-processing capacity and
resulted in increased exports of agricultural products from Armenia. The
prospects for continued programs introducing new technologies in this sector
in Armenia were addressed.

Minister Lokian also raised the importance of farm credits to generate
further economic growth and help Armenia’s struggling farmers. In this
regard, it is planned that Armenian specialists will study and apply the
U.S. Farm Credit Administration’s model in Armenia. Another important issue
discussed during the meeting was food safety in Armenia. Armenia will work
together with the United States to establish modern food safety laboratories
in Armenia and train staff.

Secretary Johanns expressed the USDA’s willingness to continue its
cooperation in Armenia, including in the areas proposed by Minister Lokian.
Secretary Johanns also stressed the importance of Armenia’s inclusion in the
Millennium Challenge Account program, which will provide an opportunity for
the United States and Armenia to work together in the area of agriculture.

Minister Lokian extended an invitation to Secretary Johanns to visit Armenia
at his convenience to witness first-hand the positive impact of the USDA
programs in Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress