ArmInfo. On January 20, in front of the Government building, butchers hold a protest rally against a decision that entered into force, according to which only meat from slaughterhouses is allowed for sale in Armenia.
In an interview with reporters, protesters noted that the market is not fully settled today, which creates additional difficulties for farmers. This, in particular, concerns a small number of existing slaughterhouses, the sanitary and epidemiological state of which, as well as the size of the amount that is charged for slaughtering livestock, also raises questions for farmers. In this regard, according to them, the introduction of this requirement without solving current problems can adversely affect the livestock sector, and put farmers in the prospect of extra spending money for the right to use the slaughterhouse. Some of the protesters pointed out that they had previously taken loans to develop their farms, and the decision that came into force put them in a difficult position due to their negative impact on the business and, consequently, the reduction in expected profits. In this regard, it was pointed out the need to postpone the decision for several months. According to them, protest mood reigns among farmers operating in different regions of the republic.
In protest, over two hundred farmers closed Tigran Mets Avenue. After negotiations with police, the street was open for traffic, and protesters again moved to the government building, demanding a meeting with officials.
Earlier, Arminfo, referring to head of the State Food Security Service of the Republic of Armenia Georgy Avetisyan, reported that from January 15 only meat from slaughterhouses will be allowed to be sold in Armenia. <I want to disappoint all those people who think that after the next checks they will be limited to just a warning. This time has passed. From January 15, we will fine for violations. I think we've been warning about it for quite long time >, he noted. According to Avetisyan, today there are 17 slaughterhouses in the RA, and 26 are under construction. Referring to a statement by the slaughterhouse management, he said that the latter would be ready by the beginning of 2020. In general, according to estimates, as the head of the State Security Committee of Armenia noted, about 70 slaughterhouses are needed, however, at this stage, the available quantity can cover the entire market. We add that earlier, protests by livestock breeders have already taken place at the Government building.