An essential prerequisite for the effective implementation of the cattle identification and registration program is the accessibility of slaughterhouses and the exclusive practice of slaughtering in certified slaughter facilities. This approach enables the removal of individual animal identification numbers from the electronic registration system after slaughter, thereby contributing to the accuracy and completeness of the data.

In this context, the “CARD” Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and with funding from the Austrian Development Agency, organized and implemented a study visit to Austria, led by Deputy Minister of Economy Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan. During the visit, the animal identification and registration system was studied in detail, including slaughterhouse infrastructure and its integration into government programs.

Austria and Armenia share similar geographical characteristics, which promotes agricultural knowledge exchange between the two countries. Both are predominantly mountainous, where land constraints and the need for efficient use of agricultural resources lead to the development of small and medium-sized family farms. This, in turn, supports the production of specialized, high-value agricultural products. These similarities provide an opportunity for Armenia to learn from Austria’s experience, apply similar strategies, and improve its agricultural sector based on best practices.

Austria has around 2,500 small-scale slaughter points that ensure the accessibility of slaughter services within nearby areas.

Following the study visit, the Government of Armenia adopted Decision No. 106-N on January 25, 2024, which allows the establishment of small slaughter points under simplified regulations. Within the framework of this decision, the “CARD” Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, established a pilot slaughter point in the community of Agharakadzor, Vayots Dzor region.

On April 18, 2025, the official opening ceremony of the slaughter point took place in Agarakadzor, attended by Deputy Minister of Economy Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Food Safety Inspection Body, the Vayots Dzor Regional Administration, the “CARD” Foundation, and local farmers.

The main goal of the program is to present and validate the model of a small slaughter point and fattening station as a viable and efficient solution for the acquisition, fattening, slaughter, de-registration of animals from the identification system, circulation of traceable meat, and assurance of food safety. The establishment of such slaughter points in communities across Armenia will help address the issue of limited slaughterhouse accessibility.

It is also important to note that on May 8 of this year, during a government session, Minister of Economy Mr. Gevorg Papoyan presented and approved the “Slaughter Subsidy” program. According to this initiative, from June 1 to December 30, 2025, the state will reimburse slaughterhouses for the service fee associated with the slaughter of each large livestock animal.

The “Slaughter Subsidy” program is also based on Austrian experience and aims to promote slaughterhouse-based meat processing. In Austria, the program was introduced in 2000 and operated until 2010.

As a result of the program:

• Backyard slaughter significantly decreased,

• Slaughter was conducted exclusively in officially registered slaughterhouses,

• Slaughter data were reflected in the animal identification and registration (AIR) system within seven days.

This initiative marks another significant outcome of the collaboration between the “CARD” Foundation, supported by the Austrian Development Agency, and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.