EU figures show that the export of agricultural produce has increased, but a side note is that this positive development doesn't apply to fruit and vegetables. Since Russia closed its borders, twelve percent less has been exported. Moldovan growers made a protest song against the destruction of food, and prices in Ukraine are skyrocketing. Not just imported products are more expensive, but due to disappointing harvests the prices for domestic products are also higher. The Italian government wants to support companies that do business with Italy, and sees potential in cooperation with Russia. Putin's popularity has never been higher, according to Russian media, and this is mainly caused by the Russian intervention in Syria.
European export up, but not for fruit and veg
In the first twelve months after Russia closed its borders, European export has gone up by 5.7 percent compared to the year before, as shown by figures published by the EU. In the first half of 2015, the export increased significantly, with a record in March of nearly 12 billion Euro. The second half of the year started positively, with an eight percent growth in July compared to the same month a year earlier.
There was mainly growth in the export to the US (+16%), China (+33%), Switzerland (+5%) and in a number of Asian markets, including Hong Kong (19%) and Korea (+29%). Export to Middle Eastern markets also went up, like Saudi Arabia (+10%), United Arab Emirates (+14%) and Egypt (+26%). The positive figures don't apply to trade in fruit and vegetables, by the way. Between August 2014 and July 2015, the export was twelve percent below the levels of a year earlier. A similar scenario applies to the export of dairy, the meat sector did display growth. Click here to read the report.
Moldovan growers make protest song
Growers in Moldova released a cover of Queen's hit song 'The Show Most Go On' on YouTube, in protest of the destruction of fruit and vegetables. The video shows growers of different ages and products. The footage shows the problems growers are facing, while the fruit and vegetables in Russia are being destroyed.
Netherlands modernizes Moldovan horticulture
Cooperation in horticulture is a priority for both the Netherlands and Moldova, representatives of the two countries said during a meeting. The Netherlands wants to help the Eastern European country modernize cultivation. A Dutch delegation visited the country and companies in the sector. The Dutch delegation praised the Moldovan approach of producer organizations for small growers.
Prices Ukrainian imported fruit up
Pears, grapes, mandarins and oranges have had stable prices in Ukraine for a while now, but products like feijoa, kiwis and pomegranates are out of most consumers' reach. Figs, for instance, cost 25 hryvnia (98 cents), and kakis from Azerbaijan cost 80 hryvnia (3.14 euros). According to traders, prices can't go down, because there is no domestic production. That's why the price is related to the dollar exchange rate.
The high prices don't just apply to imported fruit though, prices for domestic products have increased due to disappointing harvests. Pumpkins, gherkins and cabbage, for example, have also become more expensive. Price increases are not expected for products like beetroot, carrots and onions, the harvest of these products turned out well this year.
Italy prepared to support cooperation Russia
At a conference in Verona, the Italian minister of Economic Development, Federica Guidi, said that the country wants to support companies that do business with Russia. "Italy is prepared to support companies that work together with Russia," the minister said. The government is prepared to contribute to the exchange of technology between Italy and Russia. The cooperation is to be intensified in sectors that don't come under the economic sanctions.
Putin still popular
According to a survey among the Russian population, nearly ninety percent supports the Russian president, RT.com reports. President Putin's growing popularity is supposedly related to the Russian intervention in the conflict in Syria. Putin's popularity has been high for quite a while, according to statistics. Since the annexation of Crimea, surveys show, respect for the president among the population has risen.