06 07 2007 - Assisting Armenia toward food and agricultural self-sufficiency

http://www.atgusa.org/
Putting Bread on the Armenian Table: The Seed Multiplication Project Reaches 326 Villages.

Hovhanness Gaboyan
Hovhanness Gaboyan, a participant in ATG's Seed Multiplication Program and a recipient of the Armenian government's gold medal award.
In a recent review of its seed program in Armenia, the Yerevan office of the Armenian Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) reports that the ATG Seed Multiplication Project has helped wheat growers in 302 villages throughout Armenia and farmers in 24 villages in Karabagh.

Mekhitar Grigorian, an agronomist working at the Ministry of Agriculture in Armenia, remembers the day in the fall of 1992 when the first seeds were planted. "I do not recall if I have told this story to anyone before," Grigorian said. "It was a cold day. I was with this group of Americans who were carrying sacks of seed and, with their bare hands and shovels, they planted the seed. These group of Americans included the late Dr. Arthur O. Hazarabedian, founder of ATG, Dr. Bob Bushnell, Dr. Leon Garoyan, Dr. Jack Morse, Monte Bell, Don Tounjes, H Sahatdjian, and Roger Benton. I witnessed how they were on their knees working with the soil, while many villagers were standing by and watching them from the sidelines, wondering what were these Americans doing? I could not help myself but join them. As the day was ending, we were continuing to plant the seed; the clouds were getting heavier and darker in the sky….And then it started snowing," continued Grigorian, now chief Agronomist at ATG offices in Yerevan. "I will never forget that day, and I feel so honored that I was part of those fine people, who cared so much for us and the farmers in Armenia. These may be insignificant names to many, but to me, and to the farmers of Armenia, they are the silent heroes of our times!"

"What a fantastic summary of our long years of effort! I can just see the broad smile that would break upon Art's face now -- and the tears that would well up in his eyes -- and then, perhaps, the flash of anger, too, at memories of all the challenges and roadblocks put in our way! He always kept his faith! And truly, I don't know how we could have done what we did, without all the people who helped, all who volunteered, all who had faith and trust in us, and believed in the importance of Armenia's survival! What a team effort! What a look back! It's a fresh reminder never to lose faith in God and the capacities of humanity, no matter how tough things get. We thank all our sponsors, agronomists and veterinarians having had such a big part in the work, for the many years of devotion and passion and endurance through it all!" said Margit Hazarabedian, Ph.D. Corporate Secretary of ATG.

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The Armenian Technology Group (ATG) is dedicated to helping guide the Republic of Armenia toward food and agricultural self-sufficiency. Based in the agricultural heartland of California, ATG is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit organization that has brought together the expertise of farmers, agronomists, veterinarians, and other professionals to enable Armenia to meet the challenges of independence.

Central to ATG's mission is the belief that a strong private farming sector is the foundation for building a healthy free-market economy in Armenia. ATG's advisers and technicians work hand-in-hand with the new class of private farmers that has emerged since the republic's sweeping reform of the Soviet collective system.

In cooperation with Armenia's Ministry of Food and Agriculture, ATG has focused on providing Armenian farmers with the benefits of American agricultural techniques and innovations. At the same time, the organization has begun a grass-roots campaign in the republic to cultivate the business and management skills necessary for success in modern agriculture.

Since its foundation in 1989, ATG has sought to address both Armenia's immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term progress. ATG has delivered more than $33.6 million in goods and services to the people of Armenia. The sum includes $6.6 million in contributions from U.S. government agencies, as well as wide-ranging support from private groups and individuals.




Armenian Technology Group, Inc.
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P.O. Box 5969
Fresno, CA 93755-5969
tel: 559-224-1000 fax: 559-224-1002 e-mail: info@atgusa.org
© Armenian Technology Group, Inc. 2007


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