Yeremyan FARM FEST 2024: Establishing a New Regional Benchmark for Agricultural Excellence
Summary of one year of achievements at the largest state-of-the-art complex in Tashir and the launch of a leading regional platform in agriculture. Yeremyan FARM FEST was held for the third time.
The event took place on 28 October at the Tashir livestock complex, owned by the Yeremyan Group of Companies, on the first anniversary of the farm. The occasion was attended by representatives of the Armenian Government, Eurasian Development Bank, World Bank, UN Food Program, Embassies, and public and international partner organizations of the farm.
Established under an agreement between the Armenian Government, the Eurasian Development Bank, and the Yeremyan Group of Companies, the Tashir livestock complex is a pioneering facility—unique not only in Armenia but across the region, playing a vital role in advancing Armenia’s agricultural sector. The project aims to introduce a modern approach to animal husbandry, dairy production, milk consumption in Armenia, change the perceptions of high-quality milk, enhancing food security and fostering sustainable economic growth in the country’s agro-industry sector.
Aram Ghazaryan, the Governor of Lori Province, delivered the opening remarks, extending congratulations to the Yeremyan Group of Companies. “It’s especially encouraging to see programs like this realized through strong partnership between the Armenian Government and the private sector. I’m confident that this farm, equipped with advanced technology, will set a great example for both large and small farms in the Lori region. This project will not only boost local agriculture but also promote economic growth and improve infrastructure. I would also like to highlight the new jobs created, with that number continuing to grow.”
Arman Khojoyan, the Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia, emphasized that the program has achieved tangible progress in agricultural productivity, the adoption of innovative technologies, and the production of competitive and high-quality products which are the key elements of the Government’s vision. “This is more than just the establishment of a farm or a reflection on its first year of operation. It has become a platform for knowledge development. I am pleased to see that this initiative has successfully attracted top international expertise and continues to share this knowledge with sector specialists and farms alike. Additionally, we are witnessing the importance of agricultural machinery within the production value chain being highlighted and demonstrated as part of another key Government program,” added Arman Khojoyan.
“Today, we are equipped to maintain full control over our closed production chain, allowing us to deliver the highest quality dairy products and ensure the food safety entrusted to us,” said Davit Yeremyan, Founding Director of the Yeremyan Group of Companies.
“In our agricultural initiatives, we have developed several key areas. Today, we can speak about breeding economies, implementing modern practices in production, integrating the latest technologies, and continually expanding our capabilities. Now, we are ready to share our expertise, our knowledge, and to dedicate our full potential to elevate agriculture and animal husbandry in Armenia to a new quality and standard. This FARM FEST stands out with its larger scale and more ambitious goals, setting it apart from previous years,” mentioned Davit Yeremyan in his speech.
Armen Melkikyan, the Head of Representative Office of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) in Armenia, said: “Today, a year later, we can proudly say that we have achieved the goals we set out to reach. Milk production has increased by 8 to 10 times, hundreds of new jobs have been created, and we have established a new quality standard for other companies to strive toward. We are pleased to continue our partnership through this social project, as the Eurasian Development Bank, the UN World Food Program, and the Yeremyan Group of Companies will soon implement the ‘Milk Schools’ program for our children.”
The mission and goals of the Yeremyan Group’s agricultural projects align closely with the “The Strategy of the Main Directions Ensuring Economic Development in the Agricultural Sector of the Republic of Armenia for 2020-2030.” Lusine Yeremyan, Deputy General Director of the Yeremyan Group of Companies, Management Board Member, and Director of Marketing and Communication, highlighted this in her speech.
“Increasing the competitiveness and efficiency of the agricultural sector, supporting food security, developing human and institutional capacities in milk production, encouraging the modernization and advancement of the sector through technological innovations, and ensuring sustainable development of rural areas—these objectives are outlined in the national strategy, and they directly stem from the agricultural goals of the Yeremyan Group. Our agricultural projects are built on three key pillars: innovation, quality, and people. These principles form the foundation of FARM FEST 2024 and serve as our guiding motto for the year,” noted Lusine Yeremyan.
She emphasized that the one-year results in pursuing these goals are both significant and impressive. In 2023-2024, the farm produced approximately 10 million liters of milk and delivered 20,000 tons of feed. Currently, the Tashir farm have 2,500 cattle, including 1,500 dairy cows, and 6,500 pigs, of which 600 are sows. The farm also has 850 hectares of cultivated land for fodder production, operates 25 units of agricultural machinery, and employs 150 staff members.
During the event a new project was announced: “Yeremyan Farm” will provide agricultural products and services for both new and established farmers. As a model of exemplary farming, the farm will now share its expertise and agricultural resources, including pedigree animals, professional consulting, agricultural equipment and machinery, feed additives, and breeding material. Artsrun Khachatryan, Head of Agricultural Projects at the Yeremyan Group of Companies, provided a detailed overview of these directions.
Thanks to this project, new farmers will gain the skills needed to effectively enter the field of animal husbandry, while established farms will have the opportunity to address existing gaps and deficiencies related to economic conditions, animal behavior, feeding, and breeding. “Farmers will gradually be able to evaluate the efficiency of their farm management practices. This will lead to the development of the agricultural sector in Armenia and the achievement of the goals discussed today,” said Artsrun Khachatryan.
At the end of the event the recognition ceremony was held rewarding the farm’s best employees for their contributions.
It is worth mentioning that thanks to the state-of-the-art farm and factory facilities of the Yeremyan Group, the company now produces and offers over 80 varieties of the highest quality natural dairy products to consumers.