Armenian Farmers Block Road Over Low Peach Prices
According to farmers, exporters are offering a purchase price for peaches of 100 dram per kilogram ($0.27), while the Minister of Economy promised a state subsidy of 250 dram ($0.68) per kilogram to exporters.
Consensus
- Farmers from the villages of Khandzhan and Atsik in Armavir region blocked the Armarir-Erevan highway.
- The farmers demanded a revision of the purchase price for peaches.
- They claimed exporters offered only 100 dram per kilogram for their produce.
- Farmers stated that the government had promised exporters a state subsidy of 250 dram per kilogram.
- The farmers argued that intermediaries were profiting unfairly while producers sold at a loss.
- The farmers emphasized that the harvest was ripe and needed urgent collection.
- They proposed that state subsidies be directed directly to producers instead of exporters.
- A local official and the governor of Armavir region attended the protest and engaged in negotiations.
- The farmers agreed to temporarily unblock the road after talks, but warned of renewed blockade if the issue remains unresolved.
- The situation occurred amid broader economic shifts, including Armenia's move away from Russia toward the EU.
Points of divergence
- The local administrator stated that the issue is being discussed in the Ministry of Economy jointly with regional leadership. — vm
- The governor of Armavir region, Varsam Sarkisyan, attended the protest and appealed to the farmers to end the action. — vesti
- The local administrator said that part of the harvest would be sent for processing, part for export, and the remainder preserved. — vm
- The protest occurred against the backdrop of restrictions on the export of certain Armenian goods to Russia, including apricots. — vesti
- Armenian producers have officially received the right to export fish and fish products to EU countries. — vm
- Armenia could lose over 80% of apricot export revenue if it loses the Russian market. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Farmers in Armenia threaten protests over low purchase prices for peaches — Вечерняя Москва
- "Peach Uprising": Armenian farmers blocked road over low harvest prices — Вести