Fruit Production Sector Development (FRUITENIA) Project in Armenia

Period of performance: 01.12.2019 – 30.11.2023
Funding Organization: Austrian Development Agency

The objective of the project is to enhance the competitiveness of Armenia’s fruit production sector by advancing modern agricultural education and promoting sustainable, climate-smart practices. The project focuses on empowering farmers, educators, and students through initiatives such as international study tours and training courses designed to deepen their knowledge in the establishment and management of intensive orchards and vineyards.

As part of FRUITENIA-2, an additional short-term professional certificate course will be introduced, specializing in viticulture, with an emphasis on comprehensive knowledge transfer beyond typical shorter programs.

A key component of the project is the establishment of an environmentally friendly, climate-smart demonstration and experimental vineyard at ICARE’s Zabel Yessayan Agribusiness Center (ZYAC) in Proshyan, Kotayk region. This vineyard will serve both educational and research purposes, focusing on sustainable vineyard management practices and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties.

Additionally, the project places a strong emphasis on youth engagement, raising awareness of modern agricultural practices and fostering active participation through the creation of Fruitenia agro-clubs and youth summer camps.

The project will also prioritize women’s empowerment activities, including training sessions and events that highlight the pivotal role of women in agriculture, encouraging their greater involvement in the sector.

Finally, the project aims to enhance the content, visibility, and accessibility of the aygi.am e-learning platform, ensuring that stakeholders in the fruit production sector—farmers, students, and communities—can easily access valuable agricultural resources.

Stakeholder Committee of the FRUITENIA project