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Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am
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July 16, 2009

ACNIS Holds Seminar on `Rural Poverty and Democracy in Armenia’

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS), together with the `Farmers’ Movement’ non-governmental
organization convened a roundtable discussion today, entitled `Rural
Poverty and Democracy in Armenia,’ assessing the current situation in
Armenia’s towns and villages, with a focus on the need for a more
balanced policy of regional development that meets the needs of the
country’s rural population and that seeks to bolster support for
farmers and others engaged in the Armenian agricultural sector. The
conference included representatives from each of Armenia’s regions,
and was attended by several analysts, experts, foreign diplomatic
representatives and journalists.

After welcoming the participants and attendees to the joint event,
ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian explained that the seminar was the
first in a series of events to be organized jointly between the Center
and the `Farmers Movement’ aimed at `drawing attention to the serious
situation now facing Armenian farmers.’ He added that `farmers are
now under new pressure from rising prices for water and other
essential farming products, while at the same time, broader economic
problems, such as declining remittances and money from abroad, have
contributed to a decline in consumer demand for Armenian agricultural
products.’ Giragosian also highlighted the `inherent vulnerability of
Armenia’s farmers, who receive little assistance and even less
attention or concern for the Armenian authorities.’

Giragosian then noted the `financial difficulties that have recently
put new pressure on Armenian families, including recent storms and
flooding that have damaged crops, often with little or no response
from the state.’ He further warned that `farmers are now burdened by
serious levels of debt and are increasingly unable to sustain their
livelihoods.’ Part of this problem, he said, also `stems from the
import of greater amounts of produce and agricultural products from
both Iran and Turkey, often selling for cheaper prices but of much
lower quality than comparable Armenian products.’

The president of the `Farmers’ Movement,’ Sargis Sedrakyan, presented
a formal report detailing the specific state of agriculture and local
economic issues in each of Armenia’s regions. The report was based on
extensive field research conducted by the `Farmers’ Movement’ that
provided the most recent assessment of conditions in terms of rural
poverty, economic activity and agricultural production. The report,
published by the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS), is available for download from the ACNIS website
() or by calling ACNIS at the contact information below.

Founded in 1996, the `Farmers’ Movement’ is a non-governmental
organization consisting of private farmers throughout Armenia engaged
in various aspects of the agricultural sector that promotes the
development of agricultural industry, protects the rights and benefits
of its members, and represents the interests of farmers in Armenia.
The seminar was then closed with a series of questions and answers, as
well as a lively exchange among the participants, including a brief
summary report on conditions in each region by their representatives.

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The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email root@acnis.am or info@acnis.am;
or visit