Armenian Agriculture Minister and EU delegation discuss prospects of  agriculture development 

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.