ARMENIAN MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE SATISFIED WITH GRAPES PROCUREMENT IN ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2009-11-05 15:51:00

ArmInfo. A total of 127.3 thousand tons of grape for 14.3 billion drams
(nearly $37 million) was procured in Armenia in 2009, Minister of
Agriculture Grasim Alaverdyan said in a press conference on Thursday.

The minister said half of the total procurement was the share of
Yerevan Brandy Company and Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory
(for 130 drams per kg). He said the average procurement price was 116
drams. Some wineries purchased grapes for 70-80 drams per kg for low
sugar content (less than the necessary 18%). The minister said that
nearly 2 billion drams are still to be paid to farmers for the procured
grapes. G. Alaverdyan said some wineries paid 20% in cash and pledged
to pay the remaining 80% till the end of 2009. He said payments will be
made ahead of schedule and farmers will receive their money soon. "I
am satisfied with the grapes procurement for the current year despite
the global financial crisis," he said. In 2009 grapes procurement
fell 7.3% versus 2008 when 137356 tons of grapes were procured.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress