Armenian agriculture ministry focuses on grape growing
19.03.2008,
20:03
Armenian Ministry of Agriculture is planning to have 300,000 tons of annual grape harvest in five years with 26,000-28,000 hectares of vineyards, Armenian Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokyan said presenting the draft law “On Grape-Made Alcoholic Beverage
YEREVAN, March 19. /ARKA/. Armenian Ministry of Agriculture is planning to have 300,000 tons of annual grape harvest in five years with 26,000-28,000 hectares of vineyards, Armenian Minister of Agriculture Davit Lokyan said presenting the draft law “On Grape-Made Alcoholic Beverages” in the Parliament.
The Minister said they are also planning to ensure an increasing use of Armenian grapes. “We must cut the import of foreign brandy spirits and cultivation of phylloxera-proof grapes,” Lokyan said.
The Minister also said the draft law suggests defining the specific grades to be grown and processed in certain parts of the country, as well as defining the vineyards allowed growing hybrids.
“Only those cognacs totally made of Armenian raw and grapes can be called Armenian. Otherwise, the product will be called brandy rather than cognac,” Lokyan said.
220,000 tones of grapes were harvested in Armenia in 2007 against 200,000 in 2006. --0—
The Minister said they are also planning to ensure an increasing use of Armenian grapes. “We must cut the import of foreign brandy spirits and cultivation of phylloxera-proof grapes,” Lokyan said.
The Minister also said the draft law suggests defining the specific grades to be grown and processed in certain parts of the country, as well as defining the vineyards allowed growing hybrids.
“Only those cognacs totally made of Armenian raw and grapes can be called Armenian. Otherwise, the product will be called brandy rather than cognac,” Lokyan said.
220,000 tones of grapes were harvested in Armenia in 2007 against 200,000 in 2006. --0—
