Armenia's Sheep & Goat Farming Support Program 2024-2028: Up to 225,000 AMD Per Animal
The Armenian government offers substantial financial support for livestock farmers through a comprehensive 5-year program. Get up to 50% reimbursement for purchasing breeding sheep and goats, with a total budget of 1.95 billion AMD to modernize the livestock sector.
🐑 Program Overview
The Sheep and Goat Farming Development Program (2024-2028) is a strategic government initiative designed to modernize Armenia's livestock sector. The program supports farmers in acquiring high-quality breeding animals to improve herd genetics, increase productivity, and boost both domestic production and export potential.
Strategic Objectives:
- Promote acquisition and import of valuable breeding sheep and goats
- Encourage formation of high-productivity herds
- Improve breeding characteristics of local animal breeds
- Increase production volumes and export capacity
- Create favorable conditions for crossbreeding programs
💰 Financial Benefits & Support
Reimbursement Rates (50% of purchase price):
Locally Purchased Animals
Up to 150,000 AMD
(50% of max 300,000 AMD price)
🌍 Imported Animals
Up to 225,000 AMD
(50% of max 450,000 AMD price)
Program Scale & Budget:
- Total Budget: 1.95 billion AMD (2024-2028)
- Target Animals: Up to 10,000 breeding sheep and goats
- Expected Offspring: 20,000 high-quality animals annually post-program
- Minimum Purchase: 5 animals (4 females, 1 male)
- Maximum Purchase: 300 animals (max 10 males)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Legal entities engaged in agricultural activities
- Individual entrepreneurs in livestock farming
- Applicants with good credit history (no overdue debts >60 days in past 12 months)
- Applicants with good tax history (no unresolved tax obligations in past 365 days)
Animal Requirements:
- Female sheep/goats: Up to 18 months old (including pregnant animals)
- Female young animals: 4-16 months old
- Male young animals: 6-16 months old
- Gender ratio: Maximum 1 male per 29 females
- Breeds supported: Both local adapted breeds and imported high-productivity breeds
Important: Each beneficiary can participate in the program only once, unless animal mortality exceeds 50% due to natural disasters or other non-culpable causes.
📋 Application Process
Step 1: Pre-Purchase Application
Before acquiring animals, submit an electronic application to the Ministry of Economy at:
Include in your application:
- Animal species, breed, and quantity
- Purchase/import location and timeline
- Purchase contract
- Animal certificates and registration cards
Step 2: Required Supporting Documents
- ACRA credit history report confirming good credit standing
- Tax obligations certificate showing no outstanding tax debts
- Bank guarantee (if purchasing >48 imported or >72 domestic animals)
Step 3: Ministry Review & Notification
The Ministry of Economy will review your application and notify you electronically within 7 working days about your registration status.
Step 4: Post-Purchase Documentation
After purchasing animals, submit within 10 working days:
- Purchase contracts and payment receipts
- Customs documents (for imported animals)
- Veterinary health certificates
- Animal registration documents
- Bank account details for reimbursement
- Written commitment to use animals in Armenia for at least 5 years
- Agreement to submit annual progress reports
🎯 Expected Program Outcomes
Productivity Improvements:
📈 Lambing Rate
+20%
⚖️ Sheep Weight
+15kg
⚖️ Goat Weight
+6-7kg
🥩 Self-Sufficiency
+2.8-3%
Economic Impact:
- Annual sector value increase: 3.5 billion AMD
- Farmer profit increase: More than 15%
- Enhanced export potential for sheep and goat products
- Improved food security and reduced import dependency
🔍 Monitoring & Compliance
Program Oversight:
- Monitoring Authority: Ministry of Economy and Agricultural Services Center
- Commitment Period: Minimum 5 years of animal use in Armenia
- Reporting Requirement: Annual progress reports mandatory
- Compliance Checks: Regular monitoring of animal welfare and program adherence
Important Note: Violation of program rules or improper animal care may result in requirement to refund government compensation.
🐏 Supported Animal Breeds
Local Breeds
- Mazekh
- Bozakh
- Balkhas
- Other adapted local varieties
🌍 Imported Breeds
- Romanov
- Ostfries
- Dorper
- Blanche
- Other high-productivity breeds
Flexibility: The program supports various production directions including dairy, meat, and wool production without specific restrictions on breeding focus.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply multiple times for different animal purchases?
A: No, each beneficiary can participate in the program only once during the 2024-2028 period, unless exceptional circumstances occur (such as animal mortality >50% due to natural disasters).
Q: Do I need a bank guarantee for all purchases?
A: Bank guarantees are only required for larger purchases: more than 48 imported animals or more than 72 domestically purchased animals. The guarantee must cover the difference between total animal value and 10.8 million AMD.
Q: What happens if I don't maintain the animals for 5 years?
A: You must commit in writing to use the animals in Armenia for at least 5 years and submit annual reports. Failure to comply may result in requirement to refund the government compensation.
Q: Are there restrictions on animal age?
A: Yes, females can be up to 18 months old (including pregnant animals), while young females should be 4-16 months and young males 6-16 months old. Ages are calculated from the quarantine start date for imports or contract signing date for domestic purchases.
Q: When will I receive the reimbursement?
A: After submitting all required post-purchase documents, the Ministry reviews them within 7 working days. Upon approval, reimbursement is transferred to your specified bank account.
🚀 Start Your Application Today
Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to modernize your livestock operation with government support. The program offers substantial financial assistance to help you acquire high-quality breeding animals and improve your herd's productivity.
Ready to Apply?
Program Duration: 2024-2028 | Total Budget: 1.95 Billion AMD | Don't miss this transformative opportunity for your farming business!
Program Authority: This program is implemented by the Armenian Ministry of Economy under Government Decision N 1392-L dated August 22, 2024. All information is based on official program documentation and guidelines.