ArmInfo. Within the framework of "Organic Argiculture Support Initiative"in Armenia 130 bid applications to receive grants were received from farmers of the country.
Based on the results of the contest, EUR 10 000 aid will be provided to each of 28 small farms, the press office of the Agricuture Ministry informed ArmInfo. Organic Agriculture Support Initiative, implemented by the Austrian Development Agency within EU funding and aimed at the development of organic agriculture, will support the successful sales of organic agriculture products of Armenia both at domestic and foreign markets. The total budget of the Project forms EUR 3,3 mln. A day before a presentation of projects under the Initiative took place within the participation of the project authors and beneficiaries, as well as Ignati Arakelyan, the Agriculture Minister.
According to Agriculture Ministry head, th organic agriculture has a great potential of development in the Republic, and it is included in the strategic program of the sector development. According to the Minister, nowadays the world has a pretty large demand for the products mentioned and, once the processing organized properly, and the sustainable quality and volumes of the export are provided, it will become possible to reach the competitiveness of Armenian organic production at external markets.
To mention, the compulsory condition for participation in the project is 3 year experience in the field of agriculture ( fruits, vegetables growing and processing, juices and oils processing etc) at the territory of Armenia, and availability of Organic Certificate.