Armenian wineries and processing companies continue buying grapes
23.09.2020,
15:57
Armenian wineries and other processing companies have bought so far 50,000 metric tons of grape, Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan said in an interview with Armenia's Public TV.
YEREVAN, September 23. /ARKA/. Armenian wineries and other processing companies have bought so far 50,000 metric tons of grape, Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan said in an interview with Armenia's Public TV.
He said a study on the possible impact of the coronavirus crisis on exports and domestic consumption commissioned by the government back in April revealed that winemaking and cognac production would have problems.
According to him, in this regard, the government has updated its programs of assistance for the agricultural sector and the leasing program, placing the emphasis on the development of post-harvest facilities such as refrigerators, agricultural warehouses and others.
According to him, in order to solve procurement problems, processing companies were given the opportunity to purchase also glass containers, aseptic packaging, and so on.
“However, in June we saw that a high grape yield was expected and we began negotiations with representatives of the sector to understand what kind of problems they may face. As a result, we were able to offer tools that fully corresponded to the voiced problems,” Khojoyan said.
He noted that since interest rates on loans had already been zeroed, loan amount limit for processing enterprises was raised from 1.8 billion drams to 3 billion drams, and the repayment period was increased from one year to two years, including 6 months of grace period.
Changes were also made to the leasing program - the upper level was raised from 450 million drams to 1 billion drams, as the companies expressed their readiness to organize large purchases if there is a possibility of technical re-equipment.
The average price for technical varieties of grape ranges from 135-155 drams per 1 kg, Khojoyan said, adding that there were concerns about table grape varieties as exporters were delaying signing of contracts with farmers who began to look for new buyers.
But the government offered a tool for exporters and refrigeration farms, due to which they can take advantage of a 1.2 billion drams worth state assistance program for a period of 9 months and with a 6-month grace period. ($1 - 485.29 drams). -0-
He said a study on the possible impact of the coronavirus crisis on exports and domestic consumption commissioned by the government back in April revealed that winemaking and cognac production would have problems.
According to him, in this regard, the government has updated its programs of assistance for the agricultural sector and the leasing program, placing the emphasis on the development of post-harvest facilities such as refrigerators, agricultural warehouses and others.
According to him, in order to solve procurement problems, processing companies were given the opportunity to purchase also glass containers, aseptic packaging, and so on.
“However, in June we saw that a high grape yield was expected and we began negotiations with representatives of the sector to understand what kind of problems they may face. As a result, we were able to offer tools that fully corresponded to the voiced problems,” Khojoyan said.
He noted that since interest rates on loans had already been zeroed, loan amount limit for processing enterprises was raised from 1.8 billion drams to 3 billion drams, and the repayment period was increased from one year to two years, including 6 months of grace period.
Changes were also made to the leasing program - the upper level was raised from 450 million drams to 1 billion drams, as the companies expressed their readiness to organize large purchases if there is a possibility of technical re-equipment.
The average price for technical varieties of grape ranges from 135-155 drams per 1 kg, Khojoyan said, adding that there were concerns about table grape varieties as exporters were delaying signing of contracts with farmers who began to look for new buyers.
But the government offered a tool for exporters and refrigeration farms, due to which they can take advantage of a 1.2 billion drams worth state assistance program for a period of 9 months and with a 6-month grace period. ($1 - 485.29 drams). -0-
