On October 21, 2025, a workshop titled “Seeds of Unity: Advancing Armenian Agriculture through Cooperation and Cooperatives” was held within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM)” program. The event was organized with the objective of enhancing the professional capacities of specialists from the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Economy, representatives of international organizations, and leading experts in the field to discuss the current state, development prospects, and innovative models of agricultural cooperatives in Armenia.
Discussions focused on strengthening the efficiency of agricultural cooperatives, improving their adaptability to climate change, promoting land consolidation, and designing policy instruments to foster high-value agriculture. The exchange of perspectives and expertise contributed to the generation of new ideas aimed at advancing sectoral policies and strengthening state institutional capacities.
Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay shared successful international experiences in the development and management of agricultural cooperatives. The workshop was also attended by H.E. Silvana Lesca Barolin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to Armenia, who delivered opening remarks underscoring the significance of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between Uruguay’s experience and Armenia’s agricultural sector. Drawing on Uruguay’s example, participants explored effective governance practices and international mechanisms for ensuring cooperative sustainability.
The workshop served as an effective platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and ideas – reaffirming that cooperation is a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development in Armenia. It represented an important step toward improving cooperative-related policies and reinforcing institutional capacities, while emphasizing the vital role of partnership and unity in ensuring the sector’s long-term progress.
The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.
Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising Agriconsulting Europe S.A., Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.