Armenian apricots have found themselves at the epicentre of a geopolitical struggle with Russia

In Armenia’s Ararat Valley, where apricots ripen at the foot of the mountain of the same name, farmer Aramais Kazarian’s harvest has found itself at the epicentre of the geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West.

Angered by Yerevan’s attempts to distance itself from Moscow, the Kremlin imposed bans and restrictions on imports of various Armenian goods, including fruit, vegetables and flowers, ahead of last month’s parliamentary elections. Russia claimed this was for unspecified sanitary reasons, but it is believed to be an attempt to exert economic pressure on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an effort to force him to change course and re-establish closer ties with Moscow.

The 75-year-old farmer’s eyes fill with tears as he walks through his orchard in the village of Vosketap. “The apricot is a symbol of Armenia,” he said. “Its taste and aroma are regal. The apricot is a miracle of miracles.”

Armenia’s famous apricots, which have been grown for thousands of years, were known to the ancient Romans as “Armenian apples”. Before the ban was introduced, the vast majority of them were exported to Russia.

“This cannot be forgiven”

A. Kazarian planted his orchard in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, when agricultural land was distributed to private owners. Five years later, the trees began to bear fruit, and Russia became the natural destination for the harvest: the fruit was transported north by lorry across the border.

Russia also restricted imports of Armenian fish, the famous Yermuk mineral water, wine and brandy. This move angered A. Kazarian and many of his fellow farmers.

“This trade has been going on for decades. And suddenly everything has changed?” he said. “This cannot be forgiven under any circumstances.”

According to him, Moscow is punishing ordinary workers for the government’s chosen pro-European course, disregarding Russia’s claims of historical friendship.

“This is not directed against N. Pashinyan or the leadership; it is directed against our people,” said the farmer.

Pashinyan’s party won the 7 June election, despite intense pressure and allegations of interference from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not yet sent official congratulations, whilst Moscow has highlighted alleged electoral irregularities.

Trade war

Armenia, a former Soviet republic, has strong official ties with Moscow. It is a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, and a Russian military base is stationed there.

However, Pashinyan is seeking to reduce Yerevan’s dependence on Moscow after Russia failed to intervene in the military conflicts with Azerbaijan over the then-disputed region of Karabakh.

Armenia has suspended its participation in the Moscow-led security bloc, strengthened ties with the European Union and the United States, and set the country on a course towards possible EU membership.

The Armenian government took swift action to mitigate the effects of the trade war initiated by Moscow. In early June, it approved support for farmers, including subsidies for greenhouse produce exports. It is also reimbursing customs duties on fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers exported to the EU.

The European Commission has pledged more than €50 million in emergency aid and has also taken measures enabling almost 80 per cent Armenian exports to gain duty-free access to the EU single market, which has 450 million consumers.

“Focus on quality”

Armenia’s economy is forecast to contract by up to two per cent if exporters fail to find new markets, warned Central Bank Governor Martin Galstian.

Economic analyst Ashot Aramian stated that government measures and EU aid would only mitigate this blow temporarily. According to him, in 2025 Armenia exported fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers worth almost US$200 million, 93.3 per cent of which was destined for Russia.

“It will not be possible to divert the entire harvest to European and other markets,” said A. Aramian, warning of overproduction, bankruptcies and potential social unrest.

Government officials are trying to remain optimistic.

“Gone are the days when we used to say that Armenian products were not competitive in Europe,” Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan told parliament.

Apricot grower A. Kazarian sees reasons for optimism. Italian investors have established large orchards in a nearby village and have begun exporting produce to their home country.

However, many farmers are concerned: “What are we to do with fruit that we may have nowhere to sell?”

According to him, in good weather conditions, a single apricot tree can yield up to 500 kilograms.

“For a long time, we focused solely on volume and quantity, as Russia was an inexhaustible market for us,” said the farmer.

According to him, Armenian farmers should focus more on quality than on yield in order to secure a place in alternative markets. “Quality is the most important thing now,” he said.