ArmInfo. The vinicultural section of Armenia is on a delayed-action mine: the threats concern both the process of grape procurement and the payments, Hrachya Berberyan, Head of the Agrarian-Peasant Union of Armenia, told journalists on October 28. He stressed the need to resolve the problem now in order not to face bigger problems in the spring.
He said at the moment there are about 200-300 tons of grapes left in the vineyards due to the rainy weather. The funds have already been paid to the farmers who earlier signed agreements with the processing enterprises. The share of such viniculturists in the total number is 60%. The rest of the farmers are promised to receive 70 AMD instead of the supposed 100-150 AMD per 1 kg of grapes. Moreover, the funds will be paid in several months. "The debts for the grapes may become a delayed-action mine for the entire sector," said Berberyan.
Meanwhile, the expert does not think it is the fault of the processing enterprises. "On the Russian market, the Armenian wine costs about $6-8, and the Bulgarian wine, which has similar qualities as the Armenian wine, costs $4-4.5. At the same time, the farmers are paid 100-150 AMD per 1 kg of grapes. 700-750g of wine is made, and the prime cost of the glassware is 130-150 AMD," Berberyan said with indignation, demanding that the price formation policy should be revised. He thinks the problem can have only one solution - the Armenian wine sale process should be carried out reasonably and a joint competent marketing policy should be conducted by the Armenian Economy Ministry and the Armenian Finance Ministry.