In March, the EU’s Organic Agriculture Support Initiative (OASI) project announced its completion in Armenia.
Launched in September 2015 with EU support, the project aimed at promoting organic agriculture in Armenia. It has contributed to the implementation of the Armenian Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy by supporting the revision of the Law on organic agriculture and other regulatory documents.
The project’s activities included promoting organic extension services, raising awareness on organic production and products, and increasing market access for producers.
The OASI project also provided 45 beneficiary farmers and processors with financial assistance totalling about €1 million to start or expand their organic production. Moreover, nearly €0.5 million worth of exports have been registered as a result of the continued participation of Armenian companies at international exhibitions.
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The EU supports agriculture as one of the main sectors of the Armenian economy, as it contributes about 18% to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and provides around 36% of the labour force. According to the current Armenia Development Strategy 2014 – 2025, agriculture and rural development are among the cornerstones of the broader sustainability agenda in the country.
