27 Mar
NEWSENG

MAVETA Project Partner ANAU A. Kochinyan Agricultural College Receives Minibus

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO provided a minibus to ANAU A. Kochinyan Agricultural College on March 26.

The official handover ceremony was attended by Armenuhi Poghosyan, Head of the Department of Preliminary (Craftsman) and Vocational Education at the RA Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, Hrachya Zakoyan, Acting Rector of ANAU, Vardan Vardanyan, Director of ANAU A. Kochinyan Agricultural College, MAVETA project private sector partners, teachers and students.

Welcoming the attendees, MAVETA Project Manager Lilit Hovhannisyan highlighted the project’s continued efforts in modernizing agricultural education, strengthening college-employer ties, aligning training with labor market demands, and integrating international best practices into Armenia’s vocational education sector.

In her speech, Armenuhi Poghosyan emphasized the MAVETA Project’s crucial role in modernizing vocational education and training (VET) and introducing a dual education system in state-recognized priority agricultural professions.

Hrachya Zakoyan expressed gratitude for the MAVETA Project’s ongoing support in enhancing the capacities of ANAU’s VET institutions both in Yerevan and Sisian. On behalf of ANAU, he presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO.

Vardan Vardanyan, Director of ANAU A. Kochinyan Agricultural College, underscored the project’s role in strengthening the college’s capabilities, promoting practical training for students, and advancing innovative agricultural practices.

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

27 Mar
Uncategorized

Training on “Food Safety in Hospitality” for LILA Project Beneficiaries

Within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) project, a training session on “Food Safety in Hospitality” was held in Yerevan on March 25. The event brought together representatives of beneficiary businesses providing food services in the hospitality sector.

 

Food safety expert Sona Tsarukyan led the session, covering fundamental principles of food safety in public catering, mandatory requirements, effective strategies to reduce food waste, and key mechanisms for implementing a food safety management system.

Participants discussed food safety challenges specific to regional guesthouses, tasting rooms, outdoor picnics, and hiking experiences, raising questions about influencing factors and potential risks.

In the second part of the training, Mkhitar Avetisyan, co-founder and president of the Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities NGO, introduced the Green Key certification process. He outlined the certification’s requirements and implementation procedures for hotels and guesthouses benefiting from the LILA project.

The Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia LILA is a conservation and sustainable tourism development project, which is implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature Armenian office (WWF Armenia) and the Strategic Development Agency NGO (SDA). The project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

27 Mar
Uncategorized

IADAAM Exploring Ararat and Armavir Floriculture Value Chain

“Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes” (IADAAM) Project’s value chain international expert Dario Caccamisi, along with national experts Tigran Hakhnazaryan, accompanied by IADAAM Project AEST Coordinator Vardan Hambardzumyan, visited the Mega Flor Holding Flower Market Terminal, which is in its final construction stage. This terminal is set to become a key hub for flower distribution and export, strengthening market opportunities for local producers.

The team also traveled to Gai village, where they assessed a local flower greenhouse and gathered valuable insights into the flower value chain in Ararat and Armavir marzes. Understanding the sector’s strengths and challenges is essential for supporting sustainable growth, market access, and investment opportunities.

Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (AFD) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

 

Within IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by Agriconsulting Europe S.A, Avenue Consulting Group, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.

26 Mar
NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG, NEWSENG

MAVETA Project Partners Conduct Study Visit to Switzerland

Within the framework of the Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project, a study visit to Switzerland was organized on 16-22 March for private sector representatives. The initiative was led by the School of Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

The week-long visit aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of dual vocational education and training (VET) while enhancing their skills as instructors in training processes and qualification assessments.

Armenian farmers, agricultural mechanization specialists, and veterinarians, accompanied by HAFL researchers Johannes Brunner and Sven Nagel, had the opportunity to observe apprentices at work on farms and in agricultural companies. They also explored teaching methodologies, training materials, and best practices for instructing apprentices. Additionally, the visit facilitated experience-sharing with Swiss experts across various professional fields, helping participants draw valuable insights for implementing dual VET in Armenian companies and colleges.

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

25 Mar
NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM, NEWSARM

11th Workshop of the Coordination Platform for Sustainable Management of RA Natural Fodder Areas Held in Yerevan

On March 25, the 11th Workshop of the Coordination Platform for Sustainable Management of RA Natural Fodder Areas was held in Yerevan, initiated by the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO. The event brought together Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Tatevik Sargsyan, representatives from the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment, regional administrations of Shirak, Syunik, and Gegharkunik, as well as representatives of local and international NGOs.

In his opening remarks, Mkrtich Ayvazyan, Chairman of SDA NGO, emphasized the platform’s role as a vital link among organizations working in sustainable pasture management. He highlighted its importance in identifying sectoral challenges and fostering discussions on solutions.

Deputy Minister of Economy Tatevik Sargsyan underscored that Armenia’s pastures and grasslands span over one million hectares. She reaffirmed the government’s and the Ministry of Economy’s commitment to supporting initiatives in this field. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of studying global best practices in natural pasture management and incorporating the most effective approaches into Armenia’s legislative and regulatory framework.

Vahe Hovhannisyan, head of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project, presented the SDA NGO’s achievements and ongoing initiatives in livestock development, pasture sustainability, and improvement efforts. Key results include:

  • Implementation of effective pasture management practices in 189 rural communities
  • Construction of 221 water tanks and 70 feeding stations for livestock farms
  • Restoration of 216.5 hectares of overgrazed (degraded) pastures
  • Diversification of fodder crop cultivation, including alfalfa, corn, and fodder beet

The workshop also featured discussions on projects led by other Platform member organizations focused on sustainable pasture management and improvement.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the World Wide Fund for Nature Armenia (WWF Armenia) officially joined the Platform, signing a memorandum of membership.

Since its establishment in 2018, the Coordination Platform for Sustainable Management of RA Natural Fodder Areas has grown to include over 20 organizations, comprising local and international NGOs, government agencies, and development programs.

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