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 cooperation has been established within the framework of the “Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding and Markets” (INLIMA) Project, implemented by the Strategic Development Agency and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). The programme addresses systemic challenges across Armenia’s livestock sector, with interventions spanning animal migration and herd management, the development of breeding and reproductive technologies, and improved access to markets.
This cooperation builds on SDA’s more than two decades of experience in Armenia’s livestock sector and its established network of professional partnerships. Since the early 2000s, SDA has consistently worked to expand the economic opportunities of livestock-keeping communities and farmers, strengthen veterinary and agricultural services, improve dairy and meat value chains, enhance market access, and build the capacities of local and public-sector stakeholders. Over the years, this work has expanded across dozens of communities in different regions of Armenia, creating a strong foundation of sector-specific knowledge, professional networks, and practical experience.
This long-standing experience enables SDA, through INLIMA, not only to mobilise international technical expertise but also to connect it with the specific needs of Armenia’s livestock sector, existing services, and national policy priorities. Within this broader continuum, the emerging cooperation with leading Austrian professional organisations represents another important step in the long-term process of modernising cattle breeding in Armenia.
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.