Cattle in Armenia to Receive QR Codes

In Armenia, around 800,000 heads of cattle are set to be registered and numbered in 2022. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Economy Tigran Gabrielyan during the launch event of the cattle registration program.

“Information about the existing livestock population and the establishment of monitoring over the movement of animals is a key factor in ensuring the traceability of food products of animal origin, which can only be achieved through the registration and numbering of farm animals. We will have accurate information regarding the number of animals, a new mechanism for ensuring the traceability of zoonotic diseases related to both animals and humans, and the movement of cattle will be monitored,” said the deputy minister.

The ministry expects that as a result of the program's implementation, around 800,000 heads of cattle will be registered and numbered by 2022. Nazeli Grigoryan, head of the Animal Identification and Registration Program implemented by the Agri-Business and Rural Development Foundation (CARD), noted that the registration and numbering of animals constitutes the foundation for all programs implemented in the fields of animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. “This will address issues related to animal health, public health problems, and we will be able to collect clear information about the movement of animals. It will also ensure the traceability of food products of animal origin, creating opportunities for the export of animal-origin products and capturing new markets,” said Grigoryan.

The program will commence in 2022 and is set to be completed in the spring of 2025. Specific functionalities are outlined within the program, and the foundation will support the nationwide initiative.

Garnik Hovhannisyan, director of the Agricultural Services Center, also reminded that the government approved the budget for the program last year, and the funds have already been allocated this year. The purchase of ear tags has begun. “We are waiting for the import to Armenia. There are a few technical proposals that we expect to finalize before the import, and after that, we can start the actual process,” said Hovhannisyan.

According to him, registration and numbering is the number one issue related to food safety. The history of the registered animal will be visible, with QR codes on ear tags that will indicate whether the animal is vaccinated and its origin. “First and foremost, this will ensure traceability, which answers many questions. It will allow us to monitor movement and have information regarding the animal's health condition,” he said, urging livestock breeders to support the program. Registered animals could eventually become collateral or be insured.