FAO and Armenia roll out joint plan for agrifood systems transformation for 2026–2030

Yerevan, Armenia – On 30 April, Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, and Raimund Jehle, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia, signed the new FAO–Armenia Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2026–2030. The five-year plan sets out FAO’s strategic engagement in the country. 

The CPF is expected to strengthen coordination, improve institutional coherence and sustain investment across the agrifood sector, contributing to more effective implementation of national priorities. It will also support integrated, evidence-based approaches that reinforce Armenia’s long-term pathway towards resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

FAO will provide technical expertise, policy support and convening capacity through the framework to advance agrifood transformation. Priority areas include sustainable agriculture and resilient value chains, land consolidation and efficient resource use, climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem restoration, digital transformation, disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action, forestry development and land restoration, and inclusive rural economic development, with a focus on women and youth.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Papoyan emphasized the Government’s commitment to advancing the sector: 
“Today’s signing marks a significant step forward in Armenia’s efforts to modernize its agrifood sector and strengthen rural development. Through this partnership with FAO, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a more resilient, competitive and inclusive agricultural system that delivers tangible benefits for our rural communities.”

Raimund Jehle noted FAO’s role in strengthening national capacities and promoting inclusive, evidence-based approaches: 

“The Country Programming Framework 2026–2030 reflects FAO’s commitment to supporting Armenia through strengthened capacities, knowledge exchange and technical expertise. By advancing data-driven decision-making, fostering innovation, and ensuring that gender equality and the empowerment of women are systematically integrated across interventions, we aim to support more inclusive, effective and sustainable agrifood systems that leave no one behind.”

The framework is aligned with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2026–2030, reinforcing coordinated UN support. Developed through inclusive consultations with national and international stakeholders, it outlines a shared vision for a resilient, inclusive, productive and sustainable agrifood system structured around five interconnected strategic outputs.

© FAO/Arev Grigoryan