Separatists luring voters with cheap vegetables

The European Commission will distribute 39 million Euro among a number of European organizations, to promote sales of agricultural products. To increase turnout for the elections in Eastern Ukraine, vegetables were offered at rock-bottom prices. It is unclear who is behind this action. Auchan is expanding its network of distribution centres. This way, the retailer wants to improve the products’ quality, and lower prices. In the Moscow region, a new label for cucumbers is to be registered before the end of the year. The ‘Lukhovitsky Ogurets’ (‘Lukhovitsky Cucumber’) are to be grown in a new greenhouse, starting early next year.

The European Commission will distribute 39 million Euro
Over the next three years, the European Commission is reserving 39 million Euro to promote sales of agricultural produce. The programmes relate to a wide range of agricultural products, including fresh fruit and veg. The EU budget is part of a total budget of 77.4 million Euro.

Separatists luring voters with cheap vegetables
Separatists in the east of Ukraine held elections yesterday. One candidate could be voted on, there was no voting list and no independent observers. There was, however, a market for people coming to vote, where vegetables were offered at rock-bottom prices. Beetroot, potatoes, onions and carrots sold for a few cents per bag. It is unclear who is behind the cheap vegetables. Separatists are suspected of wanting to increase voter turnout with the cheap vegetables, in order to be able to declare the elections legitimate.

Auchan expands
On October 27, representatives of Auchun Russia in Moscow announced the launch of “Platforms” for fresh produce in other regions. After three years of successful achievements of the Tomilino distribution centre, it was decided to expand the platform into other regions as well. This centre has an area of 20,000 square metres. The goal is to improve quality and to lower prices. In addition, Auchun wants to work with direct import, and Russian manufacturers and suppliers.

New vegetable brand in Russia
This year, the official registration of the brand ‘Lukhovitsky Ogurets’ (‘Lukhovitsky Cucumber’) is to be finalized, the local government of Lukhovitsky has announced. The city falls under Moscow jurisdiction. According to Nikolay Korolkov, head of the agriculture department, a new greenhouse, ‘Lukhovitsky Ovoschhi’, will follow the introduction. The greenhouse will be put into operation in the first quarter of 2015. In the greenhouse, a number of new cucumber varieties will be grown, which will be sold under the new ‘Lukhovitsky Ogurets’ label.