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Russia bans import of produce from Burundi via Belarus
The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) has imposed restrictions on the supply to Russia of vegetables and fruits from Burundi. From 16 January 2017, the plant production of this African country will only be allowed access into Russia when shipped directly through crossing points located in the Russian section of the external border of the Eurasian Economic Union.
According to the statement issued, the reason for this limitation is a significant increase in the delivery of alleged Burundian fruits and vegetables through the territory of Belarus and "the lack of information regarding the cultivation and production of agricultural products in Burundi."
The statement from the Rosselkhoznadzor also noted that the decision to limit the import has been taken "in order to prevent the importation of agricultural products from countries which are subject to the embargo enforced by the Russian authorities."
The Republic of Burundi is located in the central part of East Africa. The country has a population about 11 million people and up to 90% of the working population is engaged in agriculture. The main crops, according to the Russian embassy, are coffee (30 thousand tonnes per year), tea (10 thousand tonnes), sugar cane (more than 20 thousand tonnes), bananas, rice, cotton, cassava, corn and peanuts.