Cashews stopped because of missing pallet label
The Russian phytosanitary inspection has stopped a shipment of cashews. That happened in Tver and Pskov at the border with Estonia. The nuts from Vietnam were imported into Russia through Estonia. This time it wasn’t the country of origin that caused the halting of the shipment, but a missing label on the pallets. For import, a label is required on the pallets to indicate that the pallet has been disinfected and does not carry any wood diseases. After a thorough inspection, the nuts were allowed into Russia after all.
Apple prices will go up
The Association of Russian Gardeners thinks prices for apples will go up. Their estimation amounts to 60 roubles (1.20 Euro) per kilo. According to the association’s chairman, the supply of apples is insufficient for meeting demand during the entire season. Starting early 2015, a shortage of apples is expected. Storage facilities are also insufficient, slowing down production. According to the organization, total apple consumption is 2 million tonnes per year, while domestic production amounts to 500-600,000 MT. Usually, domestic cultivation was on the market until December, after which the apples were imported; mainly from Poland and Moldova.
Medvedev wants own breeding
Russian Prime Minister Medvedev wants Russia to become less dependent on import of seeds and seedlings. This is one of the agenda items during a meeting on agricultural achievements this season. “Extra attention is needed to decrease our dependence on the import of seeds,” Medvedev said. The Prime Minister also announced extra grants would be made available for Russian breeding companies.
Agricultural growth slowing down
Specialists at the Russian Ministry of Agriculture expect production growth in the sector to slow down this year. The ministry announced this during the opening of the ‘Zolataya Osen’, an exhibition for the agricultural sector. According to expectations, the growth will amount to between 2-3% for 2014. Last year, production increased by 5.8%.
Udmurtia increases acreage
The republic of Udmurtia, in central Russia, is investing in the horticulture sector. The region wants to grow berries and other fruit at a commercial scale, at existing farms. One farmer already had 5 hectares allocated for an apple orchard. Over the coming years, the acreage and the number of cultivated varieties will have to increase. The regional government also hopes to sign contracts, so that the farmers are guaranteed to be able to sell.
Export Bulgaria decreases
In August, Bulgaria’s export decreased by about 33%. This can partially be explained by the closed Russian border, but the export to other countries decreased by the same percentage. All in all, the Eastern European country exported 4.7 million lev (2.4 million Euro) in August, while a year earlier that was still 5.9 million lev (3 million Euro). The most important cause of the decreasing export is the rainy summer, causing lacklustre volumes.
Statistics over the first eight months of this year show that export has been decreasing for a while. The Bulgarian export decreased by 3.4% compared to last year.