ArmInfo. Armenian Minister of Agriculture Artur Khachatryan and Head of Unit of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Eastern Partnership of the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Vassilis Maragos discussed issues of cooperation between Armenia and the EU.
During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the field of agriculture between Armenia and the EU. The parties stressed the importance of introducing competitive agriculture in the republic, as well as stimulating the export of agricultural products and investments. A special emphasis was put on the development of livestock raising and organic agriculture. The issue of opening a farmer's school in Armenia was also discussed.
Minister Khachatryan stressed the need for assistance to small agricultural enterprises, as well as the development of agricultural bonds. According to him, 90% of Armenian agricultural products are produced by small farms. "We should promote the establishment of agricultural cooperatives that will also be able to process the products received, this will increase their impact on the market," the Minister said, stressing the need to revise the current subsidy policy, which will lead to an increase of the area of cultivated land. During the meeting, the prospects of development of agricultural tourism were also touched upon.
