AMERICANS FOR ARTSAKH

Panorama.am
14:52 29/08/06

The Americans for Artsakh (AFA) organization today invites potential
investors and interested organizations to benefit from market survey
data compiled over the past sixteen months in Artsakh. AFA will also
use the data as it develops a model farm project in Artsakh.

The AFA Liaison Office in Stepanakert began the survey in March 2005,
studying availability, prices and origin of nearly 200 agricultural
products sold at three major markets of Stepanakert, as well as in
Askeran, Hadrut, Mardakert, Martuni and Shushi. The survey aims to
gather information about Artsakh"s food markets, helping identify
products that could be produced locally both for domestic consumption
and export.

Director of the AFA"s Stepanakert Office Elvina Azarian, who
spearheaded the project"s implementation, said that the survey results,
in combination with the Nagorno Karabakh government statistics, would
serve as a major reference both for local and outside businessmen
and organizations interested in Artsakh"s agricultural sector.

"The study results also reflect the rising cost of living in Nagorno
Karabakh over the past year and a half," Azarian said. "As such,
the survey data together with available statistics on incomes would
help determine the trends in food security in Karabakh."

"AFA will continue the surveys and intends to use the data as we
launch a model farm project in Artsakh," said the AFA President Zaven
Khanjian. "The model farm will involve roughly one hectare patches
of land in two to three locations in Artsakh. AFA would help farmers
identify marketable high-value crops and provide necessary seeds,
management consulting and technology. Upon successful completion,
the model would be available to other Artsakh farmers to replicate. We
also invite those interested in Artsakh"s agricultural sector to make
use of the market survey results."

Americans For Artsakh is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
established to preserve freedom, strengthen democracy, foster economic
development, protect the cultural identity and promote the heritage
of the people of Artsakh. The founding Board of Directors include:
Zaven Khanjian, President; Dr. Hratch Abrahamian, Vice President; Savey
Tufenkian, Treasurer; Rita Balian, Secretary; and Edward Chobanian.