During the preparatory phase of the “Establishment of a functional Animal Identification and Registration System in Armenia” project, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by the CARD Foundation, Armenian delegations, led by Mrs. Tatevik Sargsyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, and Mr. Vahe Ghalumyan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environmental Protection of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, visited Austria. During the visit, the delegations gained first-hand knowledge of Austria’s longstanding and successful experience in cattle identification and registration, as well as in the organization and operation of slaughterhouse systems.
Particular attention was paid to the development of small and medium capacity slaughterhouse models, which, under conditions of limited resources, enable an efficient and controlled slaughter process while ensuring compliance with food safety and veterinary-sanitary requirements. The application of this model is particularly important at the community level, as it helps reduce the need to transport animals over long distances and improves access to slaughter services. More than 2,000 small slaughterhouse facilities operate in Austria, providing slaughter services within local communities.
The study of the Austrian experience and the professional recommendations developed on its basis contributed to the adoption of Government Decision No. 106-N of the Republic of Armenia, dated January 25, 2024, which established the legal framework for the establishment and operation of small-capacity slaughterhouses, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the effective and systematic introduction of the Cattle Identification and Registration System in Armenia.
As a result, within the framework of cooperation between the CARD Foundation and the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, an opening ceremony for a demonstration small-capacity slaughterhouse facility was held on April 18 in the community of Agharakadzor, Vayots Dzor Province. The facility is designed to process an average of 8–10 cattle per day.
The establishment of the demonstration slaughterhouse facility in Agharakadzor represents an important step toward establishing the cattle identification and registration system and developing its practical implementation mechanisms. The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, international partners, and community representatives. Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, and Mr. Arsen Khachatryan, Deputy Governor of Vayots Dzor Province. During the event, the main directions of the project, as well as the functions and significance of the slaughterhouse facility, were presented, followed by a tour of the facility.
The effective operation of the slaughterhouse system is of particular importance for ensuring the proper recording of animal removals from the ANIPASS system, which is an essential component of the Cattle Identification and Registration System. At the same time, the development of small-capacity slaughterhouses contributes to improving the control and traceability of the slaughter process, strengthening food safety, and enhancing oversight of animal movements and traceability.
We are confident that the experience gained in Agharakadzor will serve as a basis for the implementation and expansion of similar initiatives throughout Armenia, contributing to the establishment of the Cattle Identification and Registration System, the modernization of the livestock sector, improvements in food safety, and enhanced international competitiveness of Armenia’s agricultural products.
