FIRST AGRICULTURAL MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEM DEVELOPS IN ARMENIA

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The first market information system in Armenia, funded by Water to Market (WtM) Activity of the Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia, will be launched on December 17, 2008. All media representatives are invited to attend the launch of this system that will be held at the “Erebuni” hall of “Erebuni Plaza” hotel. The international best practices of the system, its need for Armenia and the use of the system will be presented during the launch. States officials, farmers, representatives of agricultural associations, banks, producers and processing companies, local and international organizations will be present at the launch event.

Mr. Ara Hovsepyan, the Executive Director of the Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia and Mr. Richard Hurelbrink, Country Director of ACDI/VOCA and Team Leader of WtM Activity will make welcoming speeches. “The objective of the market information system is to provide market prices of fruit and vegetables to farmers, representatives of all segments of production and marketing chain. Well-analyzed market information enables farmers to make planting decisions, including those related to new crops,” says Mr. Hurelbrink. The system will be disseminating information through its web site and SMS (short message service).

It will enable farmers to negotiate with traders from a position of greater strength. The system will be useful not only for the farmers but also for representatives of various industry sectors such as processors, wholesalers, retailers, hotels and restaurants, and all others who are interested in receiving accurate information and market dynamics. The system may also provide information on quality, postharvest technologies and industry innovations through its website.