Head of consumer watchdog says farmers need clear-cut mechanism for selling their agricultural products
21.10.2015,
15:40
Armen Poghosyan, head of an Armenian consumer watchdog, called on the authorities today to help establish clear-cut mechanisms for procurement of grape and other agricultural products by local wineries and processing companies.
YEREVAN, October 21. / ARKA /. Armen Poghosyan, head of an Armenian consumer watchdog, called on the authorities today to help establish clear-cut mechanisms for procurement of grape and other agricultural products by local wineries and processing companies.
Speaking at a news conference, he said one of the major problems of winegrowers which they face actually every year is how to sell their grape.
He said Armenia has good natural and climatic conditions for growing the best species of grapes, fruits and vegetables, but villagers have no possibility of marketing their products.
He said harvesting, transportation and sale of agricultural products require huge costs, and many farmers can not afford it. Companies that buy grapes, must sign contracts with farmers in advance stipulating both the price and volume of products, he said.
"The situation with the purchase of agricultural products is gradually improving, but the pace is too slow," Poghosyan said.
Armenian wines, according to Poghosyan, are quite popular; they are of high quality and many locally-made wines won various awards, but for some reason, they do not occupy their rightful place on the world market. According to him, there is another agricultural problem – selection.
"We have not preserved our traditional species of grapes, tomatoes and other vegetables, having replaced them with species whose only advantage is endurance for transportation," he added.
According to recent reports, local wineries have bought a total of 202,000 tons of grapes, by 20,000 tons more than last year, although the demand this year is only 160,000 tons and the supply is 210,000 tons. -0-
Speaking at a news conference, he said one of the major problems of winegrowers which they face actually every year is how to sell their grape.
He said Armenia has good natural and climatic conditions for growing the best species of grapes, fruits and vegetables, but villagers have no possibility of marketing their products.
He said harvesting, transportation and sale of agricultural products require huge costs, and many farmers can not afford it. Companies that buy grapes, must sign contracts with farmers in advance stipulating both the price and volume of products, he said.
"The situation with the purchase of agricultural products is gradually improving, but the pace is too slow," Poghosyan said.
Armenian wines, according to Poghosyan, are quite popular; they are of high quality and many locally-made wines won various awards, but for some reason, they do not occupy their rightful place on the world market. According to him, there is another agricultural problem – selection.
"We have not preserved our traditional species of grapes, tomatoes and other vegetables, having replaced them with species whose only advantage is endurance for transportation," he added.
According to recent reports, local wineries have bought a total of 202,000 tons of grapes, by 20,000 tons more than last year, although the demand this year is only 160,000 tons and the supply is 210,000 tons. -0-
