The government of Valencia pleads with the EU to add kakis and pomegranates to the list of products for which support is possible. The region expects that growers will be hit hard once again. The Polish minister invited Prime Minister Medvedev to come and sample apples. Recently, Medvedev accused the Poles of treating the apples with chemical agents before the fruit illegally crosses the border with Russia. In Moscow, the police rounded up a cheese gang. The gang traded in illegal cheeses, six people were arrested, 500 tonnes of cheese was confiscated. Within Russia, some are arguing to make food smuggling equal to illegal arms trade, which would make penalties significantly higher.
Valencia wants kakis and pomegranates on compensation list
The regional government of Valencia has filed a request to add kakis and pomegranates to the list of products for which compensation is possible. According to the Spanish, the kaki sector could once again be hit hard by the boycott. "Although the EU considers kakis to be a small product, there needs to be a solution," says Francisco Rodriguez Mulero, regional secretary for agriculture and rural development. "The sector estimates that the closed borders caused expenses of 30 million euros last year."
Spanish trade organization supports Russian destruction illegal food
Luz Maria de Santos, who represents the Spanish association for small growers and breeders (UFA), says the destruction of food is understandable. Spain also destroyed illegally imported produce in the past. De Santos compares this approach with that to fake branded clothing.
Polish minister invites Medvedev to sample apples
After the accusations by Russian Prime Minister Medvedev at the address of the Polish apple sector, the Polish chairman of the trade organization in question, Miroslav Malishevsky, responded. Medvedev accused the Poles of treating the apples with chemical agents after the harvest, to improve shelf life. These apples are reportedly exported to Russia. Miroslav says it's strictly forbidden to treat the fruit with chemical agents after the harvest. The apples are also not sorted at the destination, the Pole says.
Polish apple growers were forced to sell more produce to the industry. While beforehand about 50% went to the industry, last season about 60% was processed. The Poles are also working on new markets for the fruit, with export to Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan increasing.
Russian police rounds up criminal cheese gang
The boycott doesn't just apply to fruit and veg. Food from other sectors, like dairy, is also openly destroyed. And while the official borders are closed, unofficial ways are found to get products into the country. Recently, a crime syndicate was rounded up in Moscow. The gang operated in the trade in illegal cheese. Nearly 500 tonnes of cheese was confiscated, with a street value of $30 million. According to the police, the gang had been active since March. Raids were carried out in 17 locations, six people were arrested.
Siberians against land deal China
A group of around 100 Russian recently demonstrated in the Siberian region of Zabaykalsky Krai against a land deal between Russia and China. A piece of agricultural land the size of Hong Kong is leased to Chinese investors for organic cultivation. The protesters called on the local government to hold a referendum before the deal is approved.
Russia: food smuggling equal to arms trade
Russian customs would like to see smuggling of banned food made equal to trade in radioactive material and weapons. At the moment, food smugglers get fined a maximum of 300,000 roubles (4500 dollars), a penalty which officials find too low. A proposed bill to punish food smuggling more harshly is discussed in the Duma on September 3.
Pakistan and Russia strengthen ties
Geopolitically, relations are changing. The United States are looking more to India, investing in that relationship, as a counterweight to China. This means relations with Pakistan are cooling, and that country in turn attracts more interest from Moscow. The two countries are negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement, which strengthens the economic ties between the nations.
New aid convoy for East Ukraine
The number of aid convoys sent by Russia to East Ukraine is now 36. Earlier this week, another convoy of 100 trucks passed the border, with destination Luhansk and Donetsk. According to Russia, the trucks are loaded with food, tea and sugar.
Montenegro disappointed about boycott
The government of Montenegro says in an official reaction that it's disappointed in the boycott by Russia. The government says it does not yet have a list of products the trade ban applies to. According to Russian experts, boycotting Montenegro would not affect the food supply in Russia.
German growers: low prices caused by boycott
Growers in Germany are blaming the Russian boycott for low prices for their products. "The prices for agricultural products have gone down in general, and that decrease is mostly due to lower export to Russia," says Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers' Association.