A business forum entitled "Meet Your Farmer" was held on the 18th of January within the framework of the Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project.

EU-GAIA project is funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation and implemented by the Austrian Development Agency and the UN Development Program.

The purpose of the "Meet Your Farmer" event was to support the Armenian agri-producers and farmers, who offer consumers healthy and clean products processed by the method of green agriculture.

“Green” and organic farmers met the representatives of HoReCa sector and retailers and presented their products on the spot: fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, honey, wine, other goods. The guests were introduced to the green cultivation methods, their positive impact on health and nature preservation. Buyersin their turn, discussed the conditions for establishing profitable long-term cooperation.

The launch of the event was marked by the welcoming speech by Pascal Bokkers, the Team Leader of the EU-funded GAIA project, Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

In his speech, Mr. Bokkers highlighted the importance of creating such meeting-platforms, encouraging all the attendees of the event to be as active as possible and try to find the possible edges of cooperation. It was mentioned that the Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project had done its best to give such a brilliant opportunity to all the parties and now it is the guests' turn to make a right choice for the sake of their own business and their clients.

Garnik Manukyan, the Marketing Expert of the Austrian Development Agency introduced the concept of Green Agriculture. Attendees got acquainted with the idea of sustainable agriculture, learned how it differs from traditional farming methods, and how it can affect the food quality. Mr. Manukyan encouraged buyers to be active, to make proposals, to present their expectations from farmers and agricultural producers. These insights would lay basis for future successful cooperation.

Anahit Gevorgyan, PR Director of Yeremyan Projects, concluded the series of speeches by “Business and Farmers: Edges of Cooperation” presentation. The audience was introduced to the successful experience of the company in the field of cooperation with farmers. To ensure the regular supply of natural products, in 2017 the company adopted the concept “From Farm to Table”, which can become a successful prototype for other companies as well, by promoting sustainable farms and and increasing the competitiveness of the local products.

The event was attended by 35 “Green” and Organic producers and farmers and more than 50 buyers and business representatives.