ORGANIC PRODUCTS TO UNDERGO TO STRICT QUALITY CONTROL IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Jan 19, 2009

YEREVAN, January 19. /ARKA/. This May, after the Law "On organic
farming" take effect, organic products will undergo strict control
in Armenia.

RA Deputy Minister of Agriculture Samvel Avetisyan reported that the
enforcement of the law has been delayed as it requires the adoption
of a number of by-laws.

Avetisyan pointed out that about 40 individual farmers and producers
are to a certain extent engaged in organic farming without being
certified.

"You can see products labeled `bio’ in shops, but not all of them
are legally licensed," he said.

Avetisyan pointed out that the certification of the Ecoglobe Company
by the DAP Company (Germany) will allow the former to license companies
engaged in organic farming for entering European markets.

"Organic farming is an important field for the country considering
the limited land resources and means communication," Avetisyan said.

He stressed that land plots can now be used for organic farming due
to smaller amount of fertilizers and chemicals used in Armenia. "In
1980s a total of 350,000 tons of fertilizers were yearly used. At
present we export 30-35 tons of mineral fertilizers or 30kg per one
hectare against the former 200kg," Avetisyan said.

He said that the alpine areas, as well as the cultivable lands in
Shirak, Syunik and Lori, are most favora ble for organic farming.

Avetisyan also pointed out the need for adopting the European
experience in combining organic farming and development of
agritourism. "The Ministry has been dealing with the agritourism
development problems for a long time, but no essential progress has
yet been made – we have to introduce culture of service," he said.

Nune Darbinyan, Director General of the Ecoglobe Company, announced
the company’s intention to conduct training courses at supermarkets
for the sales personnel to improve organic food management. "This will
prevent violations and allow the sale of only certified products on
the domestic market," Darbinyan said.

The Law "On organic farming" is part of the RA Government’s
agricultural development strategy. The RA Government considers it
advisable to develop organic farming in Armenia. The law provides for
the management of organic farming by the RA Government, management
of export, import, marking and certification.