Armenia approves support program for fish farms amid export challenges

The Armenian government approved a state support measure for fish farms operating in the Ararat and Armavir provinces.

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan said the program envisages providing support to 135 commercial fish farms in Ararat and Armavir provinces engaged in the cultivation of trout and sturgeon, as well as the production of fertilized fish eggs and caviar. The beneficiaries must also be registered as VAT (value-added tax) payers.

According to the minister, the support will be provided as a one-time compensation calculated as follows:

“Twenty percent of the average monthly cost of fish feed purchased during the first half of 2026. In our calculations, we have set the cost at 900 drams per kilogram. The need for this program stems from certain financial difficulties faced by fish producers as a result of restrictions on fish and fish product exports. We need to ease these difficulties so that, by reducing production costs, they can lower prices on the domestic market to some extent. At the same time, reducing costs will allow them to enter new markets,” Papoyan said.

Priority will be given to ensuring that fish feed is certified and complies with Eurasian Economic Union and EU standards.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, while highlighting the importance of the assistance, addressed existing challenges in the sector.

He noted that despite years of calls to diversify economic ties and the broad range of government tools introduced to support that goal, diversification has largely not taken place.

Citing tax data, he said fish farms pay between 2.5 billion and 3 billion drams in taxes annually, raising questions about the possible presence of a shadow economy in the sector.

The Prime Minister said the government will examine this issue.

Questions have also been raised regarding the efficient use of artesian water resources in the Ararat Valley and the quality of fish products produced in the country.

“I have spoken dozens of times about standards. To what extent does the quality of products comply with standards? At the same time, this should not be generalized: there are producers who comply, but there are also producers who do not. Let me share my personal experience. This may stir some controversy, but I have not eaten farmed fish for a very long time — for many years,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister stressed that while state support is important for businesses facing difficulties, it should be aimed at developing the respective sectors.

Pashinyan said he views the current challenges related to Armenian product exports not as a crisis, but as an opportunity to develop the economy and bring products into line with modern international requirements — an opportunity that must be fully utilized.

He also expressed his administration’s readiness to discuss existing challenges directly with businesses through meetings and consultations.