Yerevan October 31
Alina Hovhannisyan. The EU has allocated a total of 28 million EUR in the framework of the programs of the European Union launched in 2015, aimed at promoting agriculture in Armenia, which in November of this year are coming to an end, the EU Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski told reporters as part of a press tour to Aghavnadzor (Vayots Dzor region) on October 30. In particular, he explained that under the ENPARD program (European Neighborhood Program on Agriculture and Rural Development), the EU provided 25 million euros and 3 million euros to promote the development of organic agriculture in Armenia (OASI). 4
"The EU is the largest donor of agriculture in Armenia. The programs are being completed, but we intend to further promote Armenia and continue cooperation, which involves not only funding, but also the creation of a platform to stimulate reforms. We are continuing to work with the new government, and I am sure that the first results will soon appear, in particular, in the form of new agreements, financial contracts, "he stressed.
In this regard, Switalski noted that new programs are being prepared aimed at the development of agriculture. According to the European diplomat, today various ideas are being discussed, including those concerning the development of organic agriculture in the southern regions of Armenia.
"Organic agriculture can be a great success in Armenia, as already today in the country organic products are produced in different directions, which from Armenia can enter the markets of different countries, including European ones. This is not easy, especially when it comes to organic products, for which the EU has extremely stringent requirements, in particular with regard to certification, quality and food safety. But we believe that the obstacles can be overcome, and we are ready to help Armenian farmers in this matter" the diplomat said.
As an example, the Ambassador pointed to neighboring Georgia, which today is successfully selling its products in European markets. Switalski noted that the competition is high, therefore, Armenian producers need to properly advertise their products, create their own brand in Europe. The Ambassador also stressed that he has also personal interest, as next year his mission in Armenia completes, and he wants to see Armenian organic products on the shelves of European stores, to which the Ambassador is accustomed.
In conclusion, P. Switalski added: "I know that the Armenian government aims to develop the Armenian economy, including through innovative technologies. But we believe that agriculture from the point of view of economic growth can serve as an important incentive''.
To note, in the framework of the press tour, journalists with the EU delegation visited the winery "Trinity Canyon Vineyards" in Agavnadzor village and a cheese production cooperative in Yelpin community, whose activities were funded by the EU under the ENPARD and OASI programs.
To recall, the ENPARD program is aimed at promoting cooperatives for the processing of agricultural products, and its implementation. The main partner of the program is the Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia. The project started in January 2015 and will end in November 2018. The ENPARD program was implemented in the Lori, Shirak, Gegharkunik, Aragatsotn, Kotayk and Vayots Dzor regions of the republic.
OASI was launched in Armenia in January 2015 and is being implemented by the Austrian Development Agency with EU funding. The initiative is aimed at the development of organic agriculture and the sale of organic products in Armenia both in the domestic and foreign markets. The total program budget is 3.3 million euros.
According to the RA Statistics Committee, in January-August 2018 trade turnover between Armenia and the EU amounted to $ 1.2 billion with an increase of 35.2% per annum. In particular, exports increased by 19.1% to $ 485.1 million , with the growth of imports by 48.1% to $ 750.2 million.
