On October 31, 2024, the launch event for the Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) Project was successfully held at the Best Western Plus Congress Hotel in Yerevan. This significant project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the French Development Agency (AFD), marks a critical step towards modernizing and enhancing the sustainability of Armenia's agricultural sector.

The IADAAM project is designed as an integrated initiative aimed at revolutionizing irrigated agriculture within the Ararat and Armavir regions. The core objectives include modernizing irrigation infrastructure, improving water management, and introducing advanced agricultural practices that align with sustainable development principles. By achieving these aims, the project seeks to bolster agricultural productivity and support local farmers and stakeholders in the region.

A key aspect of the IADAAM project is its technical assistance component, which is being executed by a consortium that includes Agriconsulting Europe S.A., Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC. This consortium plays a vital role in providing institutional support to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia (MoE). The goal is to assist the Ministry in formulating effective agricultural policies and implementing targeted reforms in priority areas that can catalyze sustainable growth.

The event commenced with a welcoming speech by Arman Khojoyan, RA Deputy Minister of Economy, who underscored the government's commitment to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. “This project will open a new page for the agricultural sector of Armenia, contributing to the implementation of current reforms in the irrigation sector by the Government, the introduction of innovative sustainable mechanisms aimed at the development of irrigated agriculture, the adjustment of farmers' agricultural experience to the current requirements through quality training programs, and the expansion of high-value crop cultivation,” stated Mr. Khojoyan.

Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, followed by emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development for agriculture. He noted that the project is crucial for enhancing Armenia's agricultural landscape and ensuring efficient water resource management.

Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia, expressed the EU's dedication to supporting transformative projects in the region. “We are glad that we are already at this stage; this project is a long-awaited initiative. Ararat and Armavir are critical marzes for agricultural development. We hope that this program will contribute to increased productivity and change the agricultural landscape in Armenia,” Mr. Hess remarked.

Lise Enezian, Project Officer for Armenia at the French Development Agency, highlighted the collaborative approach underpinning the IADAAM project. “With European expertise and French experience, combined with the high qualifications of the team implementing the project, we are certain to achieve success,” she emphasized.

Following the speeches, Stefan Rosenow, Team Leader from the Agriconsulting Europe S.A. Joint Venture consortium, provided an in-depth presentation on the project’s goals, structure, and planned interventions. His overview outlined how the project aims to create a sustainable advisory system, implement high-value agricultural practices, include smallholder farmers, and introduce modern and efficient irrigation systems.

Attendees, including representatives from the government, local self-governing bodies, the water committee, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, had the opportunity to engage in discussions and gain insights into the project's multi-faceted approach. The event concluded with a lively dialogue, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to address climate change challenges and enhance agricultural practices in Armenia.

As a key member of the consortium, Avenue Consulting Group LLC is proud to contribute to this transformative project, which embodies our commitment to fostering sustainable development and impactful consulting solutions in Armenia. We remain dedicated to working alongside our partners and stakeholders to ensure that the IADAAM project achieves its mission of reshaping the agricultural landscape in Ararat and Armavir marzes and setting a benchmark for future agricultural initiatives.