Owing to the joint efforts of the EU and Austrian Development Bank (ADA), European Neighborhood Program for Agriculture and rural Development (ENPARD) launched in Armenia today.

The program will be implemented in next three years providing EUR 20mln of budget support for the Armenian government to enhance agricultural and rural development. Further EUR 5mln will be provided to support the Ministry of agriculture to promote the development of farmer groups and value adding chains.

The program will target at women, young people and other vulnerable groups. The events will be held in Shirak, Lori and Tavush regions.

Minister of Economy Sergo Karapetyan expressed confidence that current problems in the agricultural sector can be addresses effectively through cooperation with EU and other donors.

Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea said “the EU is delighted to provide substantial financial support to Armenia’s agricultural sector”.

Within the framework of the program, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will provide technical support to the Armenian government in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, local authorities and other stakeholders.