Establishment of farming cooperatives in rural communities still remains a priority for agriculture industry.

Armenian Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetyan said at the meeting with rural mayors in Ararat province that serious work will be implemented in this field soon.

“We have stock breeding cooperatives in 35 communities, and we should strive to establish such unions in all areas. A bill on cooperatives is being developed now, to enter the National Assembly after the elections,” press service of the Agriculture Ministry quotes Karapetyan as saying.

The Minister said Armenia's food safety legislation should be brought in compliance with EU regulations.

“95 per cent of agricultural equipment has been in operation over 25 years. Talks are underway with Russia and Belarus on importing agricultural machinery,” Karapetyan added.