A significant step has been taken in advancing Armenia’s cattle breeding agenda, laying the foundation for new cooperation aimed at introducing international expertise, innovative breeding practices, and modern reproductive technologies in the sector. On 24 August 2026, in Austria, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO, and Cattle Breeders Austria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish cooperation in the development of cattle breeding, more effective breeding practices, and the application of modern reproductive technologies.
The signing of the MoU took place during a study visit organized within the framework of the Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding and Markets (INLIMA) project. The project is implemented by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO with funding from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
In his welcoming remarks, Tobias Orischnig, ADA Program Manager for Armenia, highlighted the importance of cooperation aimed at advancing Armenia’s livestock sector. He noted that the INLIMA project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Armenia’s livestock sector and addressing key challenges facing agriculture by supporting sustainable livestock migration, the development of modern breeding services, and stronger market linkages.
Tobias Orischnig also highlighted the role of the Strategic Development Agency, noting that over the years, SDA has established itself as a trusted and highly capable partner, translating development objectives into practical and sustainable solutions for farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and communities across Armenia.
“The INLIMA project builds on a long-standing history of successful cooperation and demonstrates SDA’s strong commitment to innovation, partnership, and long-term impact,” said Tobias Orischnig.
He further emphasized that such partnerships provide an opportunity to combine technical expertise, institutional cooperation, and knowledge exchange, creating lasting connections between Austrian and Armenian institutions and contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.
During the event, Vahe Hovhannisyan, INLIMA Project Manager, presented the programme’s objectives, key components, and ongoing activities, highlighting the areas in which international expertise can generate the greatest added value for the development of Armenia’s livestock sector.
Anna Könner, representative of Cattle Breeders Austria, presented the organisation’s activities and Austria’s experience in cattle breeding management and animal performance assessment. Reinhard Pfleger, representative of Fleckvieh Austria, presented the experience of developing the Fleckvieh breed and its international potential.
The exchange of expertise is particularly relevant to Armenia, as increasing productivity in the cattle sector requires a transition towards more systematic and data-driven breeding approaches. These include improving the genetic base, strengthening the selection of breeding animals, assessing animal performance, applying modern reproductive technologies, and ensuring effective long-term herd management.
The signed MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on breed and breeding animal selection, genetic improvement, artificial insemination and other reproductive technologies, and breeding planning. The parties will provide technical expertise and advisory support to advance these areas of cooperation.
Another important area of cooperation is the development of bull semen production capacities at Gyumri Selection Station CJSC. The introduction of Austrian expertise and technical knowledge can contribute to strengthening systems for the availability and effective use of high-quality genetic material in Armenia, with the potential to generate long-term improvements in animal productivity and the overall performance of the cattle breeding sector.
“Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding & Markets” (INLIMA) project is implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.