10 Oct 2018
Agricultural Service Center and Winemaking Pilot Facility established in Achajur community
On October 10 in 2018, the Achajur community of Tavush region marked the official opening of two agricultural specialized centers, that were launched by the joint efforts of the Government of Armenia and international and Armenian organizations.
CARD Foundation, within the frames of the “Advanced Rural Development Initiative” project, financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), implemented by the “Fuller Center for Housing” and “Heifer Project International Armenia”, as well as the “Partnerships for Rural Prosperity” program, financed by USAID and implemented by the SME Development National Center of Armenia and its partners, as well as through the technical assistance from GIZ, embarked on reestablishment of the winemaking and viticulture traditions in the region with the vision of development of viticulture, winemaking, and tourism in Tavush marz.
The specialized center is not only aimed at developing viticulture (gardening and management) in the Tavush Region, but it will also contribute to the development of advanced technologies and the promotion of the farming industry in Armenia.
Within the framework of the project implemented by SME Development National Center of Armenia and its’ partners, “Partnership for the prosperity of rural communities”, CARD Foundation has also established a Winemaking Pilot Facility, adjacent to the center, funded by the US agency of international development (USAID). The latter will be a platform for the application and dissemination of modern technologies and international experience in viticulture and winemaking.
The center was equipped by the USAID/ARDI project, and the technical support of the initiative was provided by the “Private Sector Development and Professional Education and Training in South Caucasus” program, financed by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ).
These two initiatives of CARD Foundation are aimed at developing viticulture, winemaking, and tourism in Tavush province. With the French Institute of Winemaking and viticulture, CARD Foundation has signed a memorandum, for providing professional support for the joint production of planting substance of phylloxera-resistant grape. Yerevan Brandy Company of Pernod Ricard Group also finances this process.
Officials from RA Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development of Armenia, USAID Armenia Mission Director Mrs. Deborah Grieser, Governor of Tavush, Mr. Vahe Ghalumyan, were present at the official opening ceremony of the two centers.