Epress.am News from Armenia
Farmers with greenhouses operating in the Ararat valley today were protesting the import of vegetables from Turkey, which, they say, creates an unfair disadvantage for them in the market as these imports are sold cheaper than local produce.
Heritage Party MP Armen Martirosyan, whose party has announced its support, joined the farmers who were protesting outside the Armenian government building today.
“They called us, outlined the issue, and we came here. We became acquainted with the situation on the spot and decided to meet with any one of the government representatives. I called Chief of RA Government Staff David Sargsyan, he met us, which I welcomed, since we got such a quick response, and they met with the citizens. During the meeting, the citizens outlined the issues and explained to Sargsyan, as a result of which an agreement was reached that he will contact me in the evening and tell me what decision was made,” Martirosyan told Epress.am.
According to him, those who have greenhouses find themselves in a bind since mostly Turkish vegetables are imported into Armenia, which cost much less than local producers are selling.
Epress.am spoke with one Ararat valley farmer, Vardan Poghosyan, who outlined their concerns and demand to the government:
“Tomatoes and vegetables produced by Turkey are imported at very cheap prices, which has created unequal conditions for local producers, because the cost of our local tomatoes, due to the increase in gas tariffs and water, seeds, and fertilizer prices, is already 600 drams (about $1.62 US) — Turkish tomatoes are sold in the markets for 600 drams. If we sell at that price, there’ll be nothing left for us. The government has to be able to control imports; they have to be imported through legal means.”
Poghosyan said he doesn’t know who the importers are: “Whoever wants, brings.”
Note, a common complaint heard by greenhouse producers is that produce often gets illegal clearance in customs, which makes it possible to sell for cheaper.