Russia destroyed a party of Serbian plums that did not meet the phytosanitary demands last week. The inspection also posted a video online of a greenhouse inspection. The Russian retail is pleading for an end to the boycott. It's better for the economy. The number of Russians living below the poverty line according to official figures has risen to almost 22 million. Armenia and Lebanon wish to expand their trade to Russia. Armenia believes they have a good chance with seeding goods.
EU extends Russia 'black list'
The 'black list' of Russians whose assets are frozen in Europe has been extended by six months. There are 149 individuals and 37 organisations on the list. These sanctions will last until 15 March 2016, after which the EU will make a new decision. The list was created with relation to the Russian inference in the Ukraine conflict.
Russia destroys Serbian plums
The Russian phytosanitary service recently intercepted a party of plums in Tomsk, Central Russia. According to the inspection Grapholita Molesta was found on the party. The fly is covered by quarantine measures in Russia. In accordance with the rules the 19,707 tonne party was destroyed.
Take a look at Russian inspection greenhouses
The Russian phytosanitary service posted a video online in which a grower's company is inspected. Although the video is in Russian and the translated subtitles only give a limited amount of clarification, the images do give a small insight into a Russian grower in the district Novosibirsk, in Central Russia.
Russian retail pleads for end to boycott
Boris Titov, director of a Russian organisation for businessmen, recently pleaded for an end to the boycott in the media. Even if Europe retains the sanctions, the Russian believes it would be better to lift the boycott. "The less sanctions, the better it is for our country's economy," he said to news website Tass. Extending and filling in the sanctions is 'undesirable', he says. He also argues that the sanctions can be arbitrarily lifted and not all measures have to be annulled at once.
More Armenian seeding goods for Russia
Armenia could export up to 10,000 tonnes of seeding goods to Russia, claims Hrachya Berberyan, head of an Armenian agricultural organisation. The first load of seeding material could be exported in November. The volume would eventually rise to around 10,000 tonnes in 2016. According to the Armenian the quality of the seeding material is comparable to European seeding potatoes, but the price is much lower. Whereas in his calculations Russia pays 900-1000 for Dutch seeding material, Armenia could export it for 500 Euro per tonne.
Lebanese products for Moscow
During a discussion between a representative of the federal republic of Moscow and a delegate of the Russian-Arab Business Council there was talk of more export from Lebanon to the region. The import from Lebanon currently mostly consists of vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, but the country wants to export more. Conserves and nuts could be added to the list.
More Russians in poverty
Almost a seventh of the Russian population lives under the poverty line. This was shown from official data Russia released last week. This corresponds to almost 22 million people. In the first six months of this year the number of people below the poverty line increased by 14.8 % to 21.7 million people. These Russians live off less than 10,017 roubles (147 dollars) per month. There are probably more Russians living in poverty, other researches place the minimum level at 22,700 rouble (334 dollars) per month.