Russia wants concessions before lifting EU ban

EU producers have lost more than £3.5 billion since the Russian market was lost
EU producers have lost more than £3.5 billion since the Russian market was lost

Russia has said it expects a series of concessions before it lifts a ban on EU farm exports imposed during the African Swine Fever outbreak in January 2014.

EU producers have lost more than £3.5 billion since the Russian market was lost to exports of 800,000 tonnes of pigmeat, including 350,000 tonnes of fat and by-products.

Russian agricultural minister Alexander Tkachev was recently part of a delegation in Paris to participate in the General Assembly of the World Organisation for Animal Health, despite being on an EU travel blacklist.

'Critical situation'

Copa & Cogeca have said it is 'vital' the EU Commission steps up efforts to re-open the Russian market for EU exports.

"We welcome the fact that many ministers understand the critical situation hitting EU farmers, especially in the EU livestock sector and fruit and vegetable sectors, which has been fueled by the ban imposed by Russia on EU farm exports," said Copa vice-president Henri Brichard.

"Pork prices are less than they were 11 years ago and milk prices over 40% below last years’ levels. This is unacceptable priority for the EU must be to re-open this market."

Yellow card

"Member States also need to ensure that aid from the package agreed last September is paid out as little has reached farmers until now.

"Some farmers have also still not received the full amount of direct payments under the CAP and have to fill the next form for 2016."

He went on to welcome introduction of the “yellow card” system under CAP simplification for

first offenders which will make life easier for farmers.

In cases where the over-declaration is minor (below 10% of the area determined), the administrative penalty would be cut in half.

Farmers who receive a yellow card will be registered and will be subject to an on-the-spot control the following year.

Wrapping up, Mr Brichard urged the EU to make sure that animal welfare requirements and objectives under the new Animal Welfare Platform are consistant with the EU’s trade policy and with the free trade talks with the Latin American trade bloc Mercosur and the USA (TTIP).