Hungary announced that it would receive compensations from the European Commission for 4,295 tonnes. The Netherlands also published the distribution of compensations, which extend to cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and mushrooms. According to Copa-Cogeca, the measures are a step in the right direction, but further actions have to be taken in January. In Russia, the city of Novosibirsk is still managing to keep the supermarkets filled, and retail chain X5 is taking over three Detskoselsky stores in St. Petersburg. Remarkably, the Tahtyp region announced that it will cultivate bananas.
Copa-Cogeca: Compensation not enough
Although the European organisation Copa-Cogeca is pleased with the new compensation scheme announced by the European Commission earlier this week, the organisation believes that more is needed. The 165 million extra is a step in the right direction, but Copa-Cogeca believes additional measures will be needed in the winter. Pekka Personen said in a press statement that "in January, more action should be taken to prevent a collapse of the fruit and vegetable market. The season peaks in that month and volumes will be much greater."
Hungary will receive compensation for 4,295 tonnes
Brussels has granted Hungary compensation for 4,295 tons of fruits and vegetables, as reported by the Hungarian Ministry. This compensation lies under the new scheme. 226 Hungarian growers had issued requests, but had no access to the first compensation scheme.
Dijksma adapts compensation measures
The Dutch Secretary for Economic Affairs, Sharon Dijksma, has adapted the compensation measures to the new EU regulations. In the Official Gazette, the government published the new maximum amounts for free distribution of products, the finding of other destinations and non-harvesting of fruit and vegetables. Additionally, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and mushrooms have also been included. The compensations for these products are part of the additional 3,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables for which each EU country will be compensated.
Ukrainian apple exports increased sharply
The export of Ukrainian apples to Russia in August was 11 times greater than a month earlier. The export volume amounted to 3,000 tonnes, four times more than a year earlier. Thus Ukraine was the fifth largest apple exporter to Russia in August. A year earlier, the country was in eleventh place. The growth is partly due to the boycott, due to which Polish and Moldavian apples are no longer available. The Ukrainian fruit competes with Russian apples in terms of price and quality.
Russian industrial cities thrive
The authorities invested a portion of the 32 billion Rouble (640 million Euro) in industrial cities. The funds are intended to develop the agricultural sector. In Pikalevo, a high-tech production complex has opened which will grow various products, including cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. The city is a supplier to St. Petersburg. In the future, the products will also be delivered to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk.
No shortages in Novosibirsk
Fears of a possible fruit and vegetable shortage in Novosibirsk, a city with over a million inhabitants, are unfounded. The city near the border with Kazakhstan has found new suppliers. Belarus, Turkey and countries in Central Asia are to export more fruits and vegetables to the city. Via the Khiloksky market, 250,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables are distributed annually; 65-70% of these products are from Uzbekistan. In recent weeks, the price of cucumbers and tomatoes has increased because the harvest season is over and the stock is running out. The new harvest comes from greenhouses. Potato, carrot, beet and cabbage prices are expected to decline.
Russians not happy with Chinese pine nuts
Russian pine nut growers are making a great effort to promote the Russian produce. They believe that Chinese pine nuts entering the market are of lower quality and have a bitter taste. The pine nuts are also mixed to put pressure on the price of the Russian produce. The country of origin can only be determined in a laboratory.
Banana cultivation in Russia
During the Urtun Toyi harvest festival in Khakassia, several regions competed for the prices awarded to the finest vegetable art and the largest vegetables. However, the most striking news was that the Tahtyp, a region in eastern Russia north of Mongolia, announced that it is cultivating bananas. In the past, growers in the region have already managed to grow oranges and grapes.
Detskoselsky stores taken over by X5
The supermarket chain X5 has taken over a number of Detskoselsky stores. Detskoselsky has two plants where milk, vegetables and potatoes are produced. The shops were mainly used for the sale of its own products. In April this year, there were 10 Detskoselsky stores in St. Petersburg; now there are just three. X5 also wants to take over these three stores.