Armenia joins International Dairy Federation

This new member brings IDF's family to 42 member countries.

Armenia is a country with a very ancient dairying history. The famous tradition of dairying in the Caucasus region began some 2000 years ago with the preparation of fermented milk mainly on the basis of ewes milk. In 2004, Armenia produced 44.3 tons of butter, 5200 tons of cheese and 123.0 tons of condensed milk.

Armenia, as a former Soviet republic, participated in the activities of IDF for many decades. The country suffered from a major earthquake that destroyed large parts of the infrastructure, including the dairy sector, almost completely in 1988. It took several years to rebuild infrastructure and electricity supply.

The newly formed Armenian National Committee comprises members representing dairy production, processors, education, consumers and government. Mr Ashot Apoyan, has been appointed to take the lead and will occupy the position of the first President of the Armenian National Committee IDF.

Armenia also gains access to IDF's worldwide network of 1200 leading experts in all aspects of dairying.