Russia is including the internationally unrecognized state of Transnistria in the Russian self-sufficiency programme. In future, export from Transnistria should become easier. Russia is also attempting to make a deal with Switzerland regarding an electronic system to track products. Russia is still having doubts about the increased export figures of the Alpine country. Switzerland is optimistic about the plans. Russian agriculture has a difficult relationship with retail. Although the amount of Russian produce on store shelves has gone up, Medvedev recognizes there are problems. A South African trade mission is visiting Moscow next week to do business, with the aim of further increasing the export. Finally, there are various reports on hefty investments in the Russian fruit and veg cultivation. From an apple orchard in Kaliningrad, to a plan to double the greenhouse acreage.
Transnistria included in Russia's self-sufficiency programme
According to the Transnistrian Minister of Economic Development, his 'country' is included in Russia's programme as a supplier, to decrease the dependence on import. Transnistria is an unrecognized secession from Moldova. The internationally unrecognized state is on the border between Moldova and Ukraine. Russia and Transnistria are reported to have signed an agreement. Russia is asking several partners for a list of companies that are exporting to Russia, or are looking to export in the future. Reports say a Russian certification agency is to simplify the rules for export.
Russia wants to work together with Switzerland
Because there are still problems surrounding re-export from Switzerland to Russia, the Russian phytosanitary service wants to establish an electronic system with the Alpine country, to be able to track all products. With this system, Russia is able to scan the barcodes of Swiss products, to see which institutions have inspected the products. Russia still has questions regarding the strongly increased export of Swiss products, for instance the sudden export of tomatoes and cabbage from Switzerland: products that hadn't been shipped from the country to Russia before. Switzerland welcomes the plan, pointing out previously made agreements on fast access to documents, and the advantages to be able to intercept products quickly.
Difficult relationship growers and retail
According to Russian prime minister Medvedev, the Russian agricultural sector frequently has to sign contracts with retailers at non-profitable rates and terms. In the past six months, the sector has changed, with the number of imported products decreasing. "Thanks to the policy for import replacement, demand and supply of Russian produce have gone up significantly," Medvedev told Russian media. "On the other hand, we see growth being hampered by an underdeveloped market, which even causes problems for large companies, not to mention small growers and entrepreneurs."
Trade mission South Africa to Moscow
The South African Ministry of Trade and Industry is preparing a trade mission to Russia. Later this month, 25 businesspeople will travel to Moscow and Novosibirsk. Agriculture is high on the agenda during the mission. The African country is hoping to increase the export with the mission, and to be able to establish joint ventures. South Africa annually exports about 250 million dollars' worth of fruit to Russia, mostly citrus.
More potato cultivation in Russia
According to Fruit-Inform, Russian growers are showing more interest in potato cultivation. The Russian phytosanitary service indicates it's getting more requests for inspections of European seedlings. Prices for seedlings have reportedly doubled compared to last year. According to Russian Potato Union figures, the acreage could increase by 5% this year.
Kaliningrad invests in potato cultivation
In the Kaliningrad, investments are made in a 500 hectare orchard over the coming years. This year, the first 50 hectares are laid out. All in all, the project costs 380 million roubles (5.8 million euros). The first part of the project is financed through an investor. The trees are to be imported from Poland and Belarus. Next year, the first apples from the orchard should be available to buy.
More greenhouses in Russia
Under the Russian government's agriculture plan, 64 billion roubles (nearly one billion euros) are to be invested in greenhouse construction. According to the plan, the total greenhouse acreage should double to decrease dependence on import. Eventually, this plan would yield a 70% reduction of import in 2020.