Cultivating Rural Futures: AmCham Supports Agricultural Initiative at COAF SMART Center

The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia (AmCham), has launched a new agricultural initiative at the COAF Youredjian SMART Center in Lori, focused on expanding raspberry and lavender cultivation through the installation of a modern irrigation system.

What is the project?

At the core of the initiative is the construction of a water reservoir and drip irrigation system, designed to support the expansion of COAF’s raspberry and lavender fields. 

The goal is to ensure a more reliable water supply and improve the maintenance of these fields, while creating a more structured environment for agricultural activities connected to the SMART Center.

Why are we doing this?

This initiative is closely tied to COAF’s educational approach.

At SMART, learning is designed to be hands-on and connected to real-life contexts. Integrating agricultural work into this environment allows students to engage with practical processes — from cultivation to basic planning and maintenance — and better understand how such systems function in reality.

The project also supports the development of existing spaces around the SMART Center. The raspberry and lavender fields will serve not only as learning environments, but also as part of the broader visitor experience, allowing guests of the Concept Hotel and Visitor Center to engage with the landscape through organized visits.

In addition, the produce grown through these efforts can be used and sold locally — including at the hotel and Visitor Center — creating a small but meaningful connection between learning, production, and community engagement.

What outcomes do we expect?

The primary outcome of this initiative is educational.

Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in real agricultural processes, gaining exposure to practical skills and developing a better understanding of how such systems operate.

At the same time, the project contributes to improving the use and functionality of the surrounding land, creating opportunities for small-scale production and visitor engagement.

Timeline

The project officially launched in Q1, 2026 and is expected to be completed within 12 months, with key phases including infrastructure development, system installation, and operational scaling.

About AmCham

The American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia is a leading business association that brings together companies committed to strengthening Armenia’s economic environment. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AmCham supports projects that drive sustainable development and long-term impact.

Why COAF?

COAF was selected for its holistic, community-led model of development and its proven ability to translate investment into measurable impact. With over two decades of work in rural Armenia, COAF continues to design initiatives that not only address immediate needs, but also build systems for long-term growth

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