PRESS RELEASE September 30, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: armecon@speakeasy.net ; Web: www.armeniaemb.org

Armenian Agriculture Minister Calls on U.S. Counterpart

On September 26, 2005, Armenia's Agriculture Minister Davit Lokian met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to discuss U.S. - Armenian cooperation in the area of agriculture. Ambassador Tatoul Markarian also took part in the meeting. Minister Lokian expressed his appreciation for the past USDA programs in Armenia , which he said strengthened food-processing capacity and resulted in increased exports of agricultural products from Armenia . The prospects for continued programs introducing new technologies in this sector in Armenia were addressed.

Minister Lokian also raised the importance of farm credits to generate furth er economic growth and help Armenia 's struggling farmers. In this regard, it is planned that Armenia n specialists will study and apply the U.S. Farm Credit Administration's model in Armenia . Another important issue discussed during the meeting was food safety in Armenia . Armenia will work together with the United St ates to establish modern food safety laboratories in Armenia and train staff.

Secretary Johanns expressed the USDA's willingness to continue its cooperation in Armenia , including in the areas proposed by Minister Lokian. Secretary Johanns also stressed the importance of Armenia 's inclusion in the Millennium Challenge Account program, which will provide an opportunity for the United St ates and Armenia to work together in the area of agriculture.

Minister Lokian extended an invitation to Secretary Johanns to visit Armenia at his convenience to witness first-hand the positive impact of the US DA programs in Armenia .