Two new agricultural production areas equipped with “green” standards were officially launched in Shirak region.

The production areas have been modernized with new, resource-saving technologies thanks to the European Union-funded Green Agriculture Initiative (EU-GAIA) project co-financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation.

The project is implemented jointly by the Austrian Development Agency and the United Nations Development Program in Armenia. The project partner of the government is the RA Ministry of Economy.

The first facility is “Sunny Food” company in Gharibjanyan community, which has been completely transformed within the framework of the EU-GAIA project into the “Green” post-harvest cannery. It is a family business, where the goal is to produce quality, ecologically clean and safe canned food.

The factory fully complies with safety, environmental, sanitary and hygienic norms, does not use chemicals, harmful substances against nature, man during its production, thus not polluting the surrounding soil, water and air.

Due to the financial support of the European Union and the technical intervention of the
Austrian Development Agency, the factory was replenished with solar system, food cold storages, new equipment and technologies. At the moment, the company is starting negotiations with local supermarket chains.

The second plant is “Harmony Farm” demo centre for herbs cultivation in Arapi community, equipped by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with financial support from the European Union and the Austrian Development Cooperation.

“Harmony Farm” is engaged in the production and processing of high-quality herbs, spices and legumes cultivation, as well as seed production. The goal of the centre is to contribute to the development of green agriculture in Shirak region by demonstrating the benefits of green agriculture to those engaged in the sector. About 20 agribusinesses, who are EU GAIA project beneficiary within herbs value chain, as well as other farmers from neighbouring regions of Shirak will have access to brand new services in the centre, including production and supply of herbs seedlings and seeds, pre-cultivation of soil, seed planting with a high efficiency seeding equipment provided by the project, seed cleaning and sorting, herbs cleaning and grinding, production and sale of high-value herb seedlings, agronomical consultancy.

“Under the EU-GAIA project, more than 200 small and medium-sized farmers have been provided with technical assistance to acquire completely new equipment, which will enable them to switch to more sustainable, organic production methods without compromising natural resources. The EU supports the development of innovative, nature and human resource-friendly agriculture in Armenia, which will enable consumers to enjoy healthier and safer products,” the statement reads.

Albert Ayvazyan, Deputy Governor of Shirak, Arman Khojoyan, Deputy Minister of Economy, Andrea Baggioli, International Aid/Cooperation Officer of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Nora Alanakyan, Deputy Head of the Austrian Development Cooperation Office in Yerevan, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Konstantin Sokulski gave welcome speeches and cut the ribbon.