UNDP Resident Representative Visit First Organic Farm Demo
13.07.2007
Today the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative together with invited guests and experts from Agribusiness Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Market Development Program (ASME) – DAI, USDA, FAO, RA Ministry of Agriculture, 'Ecoglobe', 'Shen', 'Green Lane' and others participated in the opening of the first organic demonstration farm (EcoFarm) initiated by the Armenian Organic Agriculture Foundation. The setting up of the farm was supported by UNDP and FAO.
Due to a multidimensional cooperation of the international and local key players in the agricultural sector of Armenia, the 'EcoFarm' with its 12 hectares of organically grown broccoli, potato, wheat, fennel, carrot, etc. in Dimitrov village, Ararat region, has become a reality and sets a ground for practical trainings, seminars and research projects in organic agriculture. 'This is a great chance to create a more eco-friendly environment in Armenia, reduce environmental damage from bio-chemicals and also develop an affection among farmers to the land after years of industrialization', mentioned Assistant FAO Representative Avetik Nersisyan. Such projects are also very important in creating closer ties among the farmers and leading to land consolidation and profitability of the agricultural products as was the case with the 8 farmers of the 'EcoFarm' project.
Paul Sommers, Deputy Chief of Party at Agribusiness Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Market Development Program (ASME) – DAI, stated that he witnessed the transformation of the agricultural sector in the country and the development is obvious. 'I am convinced that Armenians will keep up the good work and follow the traditions of their ancestors by shifting back to clean and organic-type nature based agriculture', he mentioned.
UN RC Consuelo Vidal also indicated the importance of such initiatives especially with its positive impact on the development of the agricultural sector in Armenia as well as great contribution to healthier life and cleaner environment in the country. She acknowledged the effectiveness of joint efforts towards this end.
posted by paul @ 1:26 PM
