13 May 2015
Launch of the 7th Farm Service Center in Armenia
The Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) Foundation has established a Farm Service Center in Norapat community of Armavir province, within the framework of the USAID-funded Partnerships for Rural Prosperity (PRP) program. The specialized center will focus on the development of the horticulture (garden cultivation and management) sector in Armenia and will promote advanced techniques and practices of farm business development.
The official launch ceremony of the Farm Service Center (FSC) was held on May 12 with the participation of the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard M. Mills, Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, First Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations Vaché Terteryan, and Governor of Armavir Ashot Ghahramanyan, as well as representatives of USAID, CARD, and the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Development National Center of Armenia, which implements the PRP program.
“This is already the 7th farm service center in Armenia and the first center in Armavir region; however, it’s not going to be the last one. We attach great significance to the establishment of similar centers. This is the best example of the state and the private sector cooperation”, mentioned the Minster of Agriculture in his welcome speech.
The US Ambassador to Armenia Richard M. Mills stated in his speech, “the US government is prioritizing assistance to rural communities and the farmers because our analyses show that Armenian farmers are some of the most productive in the region. We believe there is real potential for further growth and development in rural communities”.
The new center will provide a package of services to local farmers and link them with international companies that provide supplies, equipment, and information on new technologies for horticultural management. The center will be equipped with up-to-date laboratory equipment for soil, water, and plant analysis, and will facilitate market linkages and access to finance for Armenian farmers and rural small and medium size enterprises.