Within the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, Tashir Municipality organized a Cheese Festival with the support of the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO on October 10. The festival coincided with the celebration of Tashir city’s 180th anniversary.
The festival aimed to promote cheese-making as a vital profession that offers employment opportunities, raise public awareness about the activities of cheese and dairy product producers involved in the MAVETA project, connect students from Stepanavan State Agricultural College with potential employers and job openings, and encourage young people to consider careers in milk and dairy technology.
Twelve local cheese producers, along with various community organizations, showcased their products at individual booths.
Tashir residents and guests gathered in the city square were welcomed by Gor Asryan, the deputy governor of Lori, Edgar Arshakyan, the head of the Tashir community, Bishop Hakobyan, the leader of the Gugarats diocese, and other officials.
During the event, a historical overview was presented, and in honor of Tashir City Day, certificates of appreciation were awarded to individuals who contributed to the city’s development on behalf of the governor and the community head.
Deputy Governor Gor Asryan presented a letter of thanks to Mkrtich Ayvazyan, chairman of the “Strategic Development Agency” NGO for his contributions to social and economic activities and cooperation in Lori Marz.
Festival attendees explored the booths, sampled and purchased both traditional and innovative local cheeses, and watched live demonstrations of cheese-making techniques.
The event featured exhibitions of paintings, handicrafts, and 3D modeling, alongside a vibrant concert program. Performers included singers Sevak Amroyan and Sona, as well as the dance group from the Tashir Culture House and the “Sasun” dance ensemble, offering an ethnographic song-and-dance experience.
Additionally, the Automobile Federation of Armenia showcased its collection of retro cars at the festive occasion.
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).
