Training Center

Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA)

The Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia (MAVETA) project was launched on December 3, 2021.

MAVETA aims to enhance the competencies of agricultural students and professionals by strengthening both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across a range of agro-related disciplines. Simultaneously, it supports the establishment of a cohesive legal and institutional framework for dual vocational education—a model that combines classroom learning with hands-on workplace training. Through this integrated approach, MAVETA contributes to sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive rural development while expanding income-generating opportunities, employment, and self-employment in Armenia’s agricultural regions.

At the policy and institutional levels, MAVETA seeks to:

Institutionalize the dual education system
Improve the efficiency of vocational education institutions
Foster inter-ministerial coordination
Promote structured cooperation between the public and private sectors

Priority Vocational Professions Supported by MAVETA

Veterinary Technician
Milk and Dairy Technologist
General Farm Operator
Agricultural Machinery Technician
Dairy Farm Manager
Orchard Worker / Fruit and Nut Grower

Partner Institutions

MAVETA operates in collaboration with several key vocational and agricultural institutions across Armenia, including:

Goris State Agricultural College
Sisian Branch of the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU) – Syunik
Stepanavan State Agricultural College – Lori
Berd Multifunctional State College – Tavush
Echmiadzin Craftsman State School – Armavir
Yerevan Branch of ANAU

Funding and Implementation

MAVETA is financed by a consortium led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), with contributions from:

Austrian Development Agency
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Government of Armenia
Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)
Izmirlian Foundation
Strategic Development Agency (SDA)
Vanand Agro CJSC

Implementation is coordinated by GIZ and HEKS/EPER, in cooperation with SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

Mountain High Farms and MAVETA

Mountain High Farms, through its subsidiary Mountain Beef Company LLC, proudly participates in the MAVETA initiative by serving as a model site for dual education in pasture-based regenerative animal husbandry.

The farm, specializing in the breeding of purebred Black Angus cattle and Dorper sheep, hosts a fully equipped Training and Service Center that includes instructional facilities, accommodation, working and recreational space for students.

Mountain High Farms welcomes students from all MAVETA-affiliated institutions to advance their vocational training at our site.

Here, they can specialize in veterinary science and farm management with a unique focus on regenerative ranching—a practice exclusively offered at our facility.

Under the guidance of industry-leading experts, students gain hands-on experience in:

Sustainable livestock management
Modern husbandry practices
Farm-based rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration

Students are integrated into daily farm operations and, subject to mutual agreement, may be offered full-time employment upon graduation.

Mountain High Farms provides MAVETA students with:

On-site accommodation
Daily meals
Employment contracts aligned with MAVETA legal standards

Upon completing the program, students graduate as highly qualified specialists in pasture-based regenerative animal husbandry—prepared to lead the next generation of sustainable agriculture in Armenia.

In order to joint Mountain High Farms with MAVETA, please contact your respective educational institution, or click here.