Import of heifers of Montbéliarde cattle breed for the beneficiary farmers of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North – 2” project

On July 9, within the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North – 2” project, implemented by the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, 64 heifers of the Montbéliarde cattle breed were imported from France to Armenia for the beneficiary farmers of the project.

Montbéliarde cattle are rated highly for their breeding qualities, productivity and resistance to climate in Armenia.

Earlier, in June, a group of leading farmers, headed by Vahe Hovhannisyan, the project manager, paid an exchange visit to France. During the visit, the Armenian farmers got acquainted with the activities of the “Coopex Montbéliarde” company, which implements the world’s largest and most innovative breeding program of the Montbéliarde breed, the features of this cattle and selected the heifers.

The purchase of heifers was carried out with the support of the RA Ministry of Economy, within the framework of the “Cattle Breeding Development Program in Armenia for 2019-2024.” This is a strategic investment aimed at improving the genetic quality and productivity of cattle in Armenia, which reflects the project’s commitment to promote local agriculture through a global collaboration.

A short-term training and exchange of experience for farmers of Lori region

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, “Strategic Development Agency” NGO organized a short-term training and exchange of experience for potato, wheat, and barley farmers of Lori region on July 4-6.

Potato varieties, applied innovative technologies, means of combating agro-ecological pests, features of plant protection and phytophthora management were presented to the farmers.

As part of the hands-on training, Johannes Brunner, professor at the School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL), and Rudi Schwerzel, a potato expert at the Swiss Agricultural Research Center carried out a trial sowing of several varieties of Swiss winter wheat with local farmers to test which variety will be more climate resistant in Armenia.

Within the framework of the MAVETA project, a short-term training on conservation agriculture was organized on July 4-5 for teachers of the Stepanavan State Agricultural College and farmers of Lori region.

On July 5, together with the Sky Agro company, a demonstration flight of a drone was carried out for the farmers of Lori region and teachers of the State Agricultural College of Stepanavan in the potato field in the village of Kutan, belonging to Liparit Nalbandyan, a partner of the project. Spraying against plant diseases was carried out with the help of a drone.

Visits to Moldovan leading wineries and tourist centers within the LILA project

During the study and experience exchange visit to the Republic of Moldova, paid within the framework of the “Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia” (LILA) and “Digitizing Sectors for Competitiveness” (RECONOMY) projects, our delegation visited leading wineries and tourist destinations on June 18-24.

Château Vartely Winery is a modern winery aiming to combine “old world” and “new world” techniques in wine making, whilst focusing on local grape varieties. In 2021, Château Vartely winery launched light projections on the barrels describing the legend of wine through animations making the wine culture interesting for people of all ages and won the nomination ”Most original practice of Wine Tourism” in an international contest․

Crama Mircești has quickly gained recognition as a symbol of modern winemaking in the region. The winery has embraced innovative techniques, making it stand out among small wineries. The historical significance of the area, particularly Mircești village, combined with its excellent terroir, provides the ideal conditions for producing wines with distinct character.

Asconi Winery is a family business, which aims at producing the best possible wine, using the latest technology, whilst maintaining the traditions of the local people.

Hill and Valley Complex, a family owned and operated eco farm and vineyard located only 30 minutes from Chisinau offering rest and relaxation. Their mission is to provide modern facilities to modern families and to provide farm-to-table food in a sustainable environment supported by the local community to facilitate and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Camping pe Toloaca (glamping area) is the place where you can see the most spectacular sunrises. The village has become a place of attraction for tourists who choose to discover new places and go hiking. In the “Pe toloacă” campsite you can rent tents or set up your own. In fact, “Pe toloacă” is almost a glamping (glamour+camping), thanks to the good conditions and services present here.

Exchange visit within the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project

Within the framework of the “Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project, jointly with the representatives of the “Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development” (CARD) Armenian Foundation, the working team of the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO, headed by the project manager Vahe Hovhannisyan visited the enlarged Vardenis community of Gegharkunik province on June 28.

In the Vardenis region, the working team of the organization visited the leading farm belonging to the “Yerem Petrosyan” PJSC, a beneficiary of the project, and got acquainted with the high-yielding HECs imported from Austria with the support of the project, and the improved infrastructure in the farm.

After that, a tour was conducted in the fields of Korgan, belonging Armenuhi Harutyunyan, another beneficiary of the project within a sub-component of food production.

“Rosa 1” agricultural cooperative, a processing partner presented the interventions done by the project and possible cooperation.

The working team of the organization met with the veterinarian Hrant Gasparyan at the veterinary point established with the support of the project in Lusakunk settlement. The veterinarian presented the main directions of activity of the veterinary center established within the project.

At the end of the day, a visit was paid to the slaughterhouse operating in the extended community of Vardenis, where the implemented interventions were presented and the perspectives of cooperation were discussed.

“Livestock Development in Armenia: South-North 2” project is implemented by “Strategic Development Agency” NGO and financed by the Austrian Development Agency, the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

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Hard and semi-hard cheese preparation training for representatives of MAVETA project partners

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, on June 25-27, a practical training on the preparation of hard and semi-hard cheeses was held at the Vanadzor branch of the ANAU for representatives of partner colleges and private companies.

The participants of the training performed various laboratory tests for raw milk.

Gayane Hakobyan, cheese technologist and lecturer at the Vanadzor branch of ANAU, presented the history of creation of hard cheeses, methods of production and experience-based innovative solutions.

The participants made Gouda cheese in laboratory conditions through a chain process: from milk intake to cheese salting and ripening.

 

The training was carried out jointly with the Union of Cheesemakers of Armenia.