Farming cooperatives priority for Agriculture MinistryMarch 24, 2012 - 10:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Establishment of farming cooperatives in rural communities still remains a priority for agriculture industry. Armenian Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetyan said at the meeting with rural mayors in Ararat province that serious work will be implemented in this field soon. “We have stock breeding cooperatives in 35 communities, and we should strive to establish such unions in all areas. A bill on cooperatives is being developed now, to enter the National Assembly after the elections,” press service of the Agriculture Ministry quotes Karapetyan as saying. The Minister said Armenia's food safety legislation should be brought in compliance with EU regulations. “95 per cent of agricultural equipment has been in operation over 25 years. Talks are underway with Russia and Belarus on importing agricultural machinery,” Karapetyan added. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Armenia recalls Belarus envoy for consultations Armenian Ambassador to Belarus has been called to Yerevan for consultations, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry reveals. Armenia denies Azerbaijan's ceasefire accusations The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenia will leave Russian-led military bloc, says Pashinyan Armenia will leave the Russian-led Collective Security Organization, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, without giving any dates. EU encourages Armenia to prioritize strategic projects The EU has encouraged Armenia to prioritize strategic projects, according to a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry. |