Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Russia may introduce a ban on brassica imports from Poland
Rosselkhoznadzor (Russian veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog) may introduce a ban on brassica imports from Poland by the end of this week, said Mr. Aleksey Alekseyenko, an advisor to the watchdog's chief.
«We have repeatedly revealed the cases of shipments from Poland to have been contaminated with quarantine objects, and we have concerns about their safety. Our experts will assess risks in the nearest days, and we will take a decision. Introduction of the ban is possible this week», he said.
Rosselkhoznadzor officers discussed the brassica issue with their Polish colleagues at the meeting in Kaliningrad. «Polish colleagues admitted the problem was serious but gave no guarantees so far», added Mr. Alekseyenko.
The ban may be introduced on imports of all brassica crops, inclusive of white cabbage, Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli and cabbage leaves.
«Russia also imports other vegetables from Poland, but brassica crops account for the largest share in shipments. After the decision on the brassica issue, we will examine the situation with other vegetable crops», he noted.
As Mr. Janusz Piechocinski, Poland's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, said on June 28, Polish exports to Russia went down by 7.7% to $5 bln in the first half of 2014, and exports of plant products fell by 17.6%. Furthermore, a sharp decrease was registered in exports of fruits and vegetables, inclusive of apples, pears and tomatoes.