16 May 2019, Echmiadzin, Armenia - Apricot collection orchard in Armenia, established under an FAO project on genetic resource preservation. Equipped with drip irrigation system, anti-hail netting, the orchard holds 84 different apricot varieties. During the two-years, the project meticulously collected samples of all known apricot varieties in Armenia. These were catalogued, planted and carefully tended in this collection orchard. To further increase the bank of available genetic material for breeding, other apricot varieties were brought from western Europe. The project also provided Armenian farmers and extension staff with training in the latest methods for apricot production