ArmInfo. Today, there is a demand for organic products in the domestic market of Armenia. The head of the OASI program (Initiative for the Development of Organic Agriculture) of the Austrian Development Agency David Mukenguber stated in a conversation with ArmInfo.
"The number of producers increased and the quality of products increased," he stressed. In this vein, the expert noted that 45 beneficiaries are participating in the program implemented by the agency. To date, according to him, 70% of organic products are exported and, correspondingly, 30% are sold on the domestic market. At the same time, he noted that today organic products are represented in 5 supermarkets, whereas under the program implementation strategy, environmentally friendly products could be found only in one retail chain.
According to Mukenguber, the main problem for the processors of the products is the lack of raw materials. In this regard, he noted that in Armenia there are many processing industries that want to work with organic products. "A farmers who can do organic work do not go to such a step, as for the transition to the production of eco-products require additional investment. In addition, for three years the farmer will need to wait about three years to obtain the appropriate certification," the expert explained. In this vein, the program manager assured that there are no risks, as the market has already been formed, moreover, the demand is growing. "Therefore, we urge farmers to be somewhat bolder, and still make the transition from traditional agriculture to organic agriculture," said D. Mukenguber.
Based on the current situation, he noted that the OASI initiative will be continued in Armenia for another year, which the agency is using to raise awareness of farmers about the benefits of switching to organic agricultural production.
