As long as Europe doesn't tone down its sanctions, Russia will maintain its boycott, the Russian government reports. A study in Russian supermarkets in Samara, Central Russia, shows that prices for vegetables have gone up significantly. And if a proposal by the government is voted through, Russia will be a step closer to GMO free agriculture. The proposal further limits the use of GMO crops. Georgia is allowed to export to Russia again. A number of products had been banned by Russia for 10 years. And Russia and Chile want to better coordinate the phytosanitary requirements, thereby promoting trade.
No end to sanctions
Despite the agreement reached last week between the EU and Russia, Moscow says it isn't planning to lift the embargo as long as the Western sanctions remain in force. According to Russia, the boycott gives Russians companies the opportunity to operate in a better market situation. Due to the European sanctions, Russian companies have a harder time borrowing money on the capital market.
High price increases Russia
The public prosecutor of the Samara region (central Russia) looked into price change in supermarkets this month. Significant price increases were observed, with prices of potatoes going up by 67%, onions +38%, cabbage +353%, tomatoes +383%, cucumbers +544% and bell peppers +654%. The changes are caused in part by seasonal influences and the rouble's exchange rate.
Mexican bananas for Russians
The Mexican ambassador to Russia says that the first five containers with Mexican bananas from the Tabasco region have arrived in Russia. This is reported to be an initial test shipment. More growers are expected to follow. Russia imports 90% of its bananas from Ecuador. In the first five months of 2014, the import amounted to 580 tonnes.
Russia bans GMO
The Russian government has passed a proposal to ban the cultivation of GMO crops. The proposal states that no GMO crops are allowed to be cultivated on Russian soil, except for scientific research. The import of these crops will also be limited. With this proposal, which will be put to vote later, Russia is a step closer to a complete ban on GMO products. At the moment, the import of 18 GMO products is allowed.
Russia opens borders to Georgia
Following a ten-year ban, Russia recently opened its borders to Georgian export. The agreement includes herbs, but also other food products like fish and corn. In 2014, the export of agricultural products amounted to 200 million dollars.
More trade Russia - Chile
Russia wants to increase its import from South America. Last week, the Russian Agriculture minister met with his Chilean colleague. The ministers agreed that the phytosanitary requirements will have to be looked at, in order to promote trade.