March 25, 2011

Summary 0f ATG Activities in 2010

a. Providing ongoing extension educational seminars: ATG Foundation staff in Armenia conducted 18 educational seminars in 3 different regions of Armenia focused on informing the farmers about the benefit of sustainable conservation agriculture and the financial benefits that such practices may bring to them. Grain growers, government representatives and the local media were invited to take part.

Field demonstrations were conducted during fall and spring planting seasons as well as during the harvest. In between, a major emphasis was given to explaining to the farmers the necessity of crop rotation to increase the benefits that no-till conservation provides. In addition, information was provided to farmers and to their families the proper way of handling farm inputs such as herbicides and pesticides during and after applications.

b. Increase the number of beneficiaries: Efforts to expand the benefit of conservation farming among the farmers in Armenia are increasing. During 2010, farmers planted 250 acres using a no-till planting system - double the amount planted in 2009. Furthermore, the area that farmers requested for using the no-till system has jumped to 875 acres.

The system is saving the farmers 40% of their labor costs, a decrease in fuel usage by 50%, reducing irrigation need by 25% and cutting farm equipment usage by 48%. Overall, farmers are reporting that they are saving 50,000-60,000 drams per hectare, enough to help them plant an additional hectare.

d. Research and Development: ATG continued to set up trial plots in different geographic locations in Armenia. The purpose was to carry out applied science practices to test 30 new wheat seed varieties and identify the best suitable to plant in Armenia. The R&D that ATG undertakes is expensive for individual private farmers. ATG takes it upon itself to invest time and resources to carry out these scientific studies, saving the farmers from any risk of failed crop production.

e. Cycling Supplies to Junior Olympic School of Cycling in Yerevan In a non-agriculture related matter, as a result of the First Annual Tour de Fresno Charity Bike Ride in March of 2010 ATG shipped $75,361 worth of racing bicycles, cycling components, biking supplies and clothing to Armenia. The items were transferred to Armenia courtesy of the UAF. They were entrusted to the supervision of the world-renowned cycling coach, Albert Soloyan, who will oversee the training of over 250 teenagers, as they prepare for the Olympics and other competitions. Prior to this donation, there was only one outdated bike available for every seven kids in training to share.