For moment there it looked like Russia was going to import seeds and potatoes from Europe again. Secretary Dijksma indicated to the parliament that Russia wants Dutch product again. According to Frederic Rosseneu from EuroPatat we should not rejoice too soon. "Possibly Dijksma wanted to indicate that the door is already half open. However, it is not just a few details that still need to be resolved, because in the meantime we have been working on these few details for almost a year now."
Control Finland
He said that last week a visit took place from the Russian government in Finland. "A delegation of the phytosanitary service inspected a seed lot that was ready to go and took some samples to be analysed in Moscow. Last Friday, we should have had notice about whether or not to export, but we still haven't had any sign. So we are still anxiously awaiting the green light," sighs Frederic.
Also visiting the Netherlands and Germany.
At this moment there are more similar visits on the agenda. "Russia wants to ensure the procedures in different countries before allowing exports again. There are currently audits planned in the Netherlands for the end of this month or the beginning of March and the Russians will also visit Germany. We do not know whether there are other countries on the planning, although this is likely. This also depends on the capacity of Russia itself, they can not be everywhere at once, and time is pressing on. "Frederic does not expect that Russia will say yes to one European country and no to the other. "Germany and the Netherlands are the major suppliers of seed potatoes, and they will not make it with the three thousand tons from Finland. For now it is all primarily about seed. The discussion about ware potatoes is yet to start. First we need to find a solution for the seed."
At this moment there are more similar visits on the agenda. "Russia wants to ensure the procedures in different countries before allowing exports again. There are currently audits planned in the Netherlands for the end of this month or the beginning of March and the Russians will also visit Germany. We do not know whether there are other countries on the planning, although this is likely. This also depends on the capacity of Russia itself, they can not be everywhere at once, and time is pressing on. "Frederic does not expect that Russia will say yes to one European country and no to the other. "Germany and the Netherlands are the major suppliers of seed potatoes, and they will not make it with the three thousand tons from Finland. For now it is all primarily about seed. The discussion about ware potatoes is yet to start. First we need to find a solution for the seed."
Stringing it along.
Russia has now given access to Egypt and also in Pakistan one expects an agreement to open the border to their products. They have at least one alternative, but whether that will be enough remains a question. I fear that they will be some stringing us along. We're certainly willing to go into discussion but ultimately their proposals have to be reasonable. For instance, Russia wanted the ware potatoes to meet the same requirements as seed potatoes, but that can not be done. If you want to seed quality, you have to buy seed. Currently we are excited to see how the response will be to the Finnish seeds. Once that is clear, we know what they want. This will also be a guideline for other countries to work with.
Russia has now given access to Egypt and also in Pakistan one expects an agreement to open the border to their products. They have at least one alternative, but whether that will be enough remains a question. I fear that they will be some stringing us along. We're certainly willing to go into discussion but ultimately their proposals have to be reasonable. For instance, Russia wanted the ware potatoes to meet the same requirements as seed potatoes, but that can not be done. If you want to seed quality, you have to buy seed. Currently we are excited to see how the response will be to the Finnish seeds. Once that is clear, we know what they want. This will also be a guideline for other countries to work with.
Voor meer informatie:
Frédéric Rosseneu
Europatat
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 777.15.85
Fax: +32 (0)2 777.15.86
secretariat@europatat.eu
www.europatat.eu