Following a summit meeting between the EU and Russia on trade last week in Berlin, a deal was struck on the end of the boycott. Russia is allowed to determine what products and from what countries export will be allowed again. It is not yet known for what products the borders will open up again. And in case Greece has to exit the euro, the boycott will be lifted, the Russian minister of Agriculture announced. Russian prime minister Medvedev announced wanting to subsidize the interest on loans for the agricultural sector. And Russia is expecting retail revenues to go up this year. The phytosanitary service intercepted a shipment of apples from Moldova. Pakistani exporters have high hopes for the citrus and potato export to Russia. In the Czech Republic, the harvest ended up 2.2% higher than previous years. Greek peach growers are threatening with actions if the compensations aren't paid within a certain time frame.
Partial end boycott on Russian terms
The EU and Russia met last week in Berlin to discuss trade. A deal was struck there between the two power blocs about the end of the Russian trade boycott. The EU agreed to Russia being allowed to determine the exporting countries and products that will be given access to the Russian market. This is reportedly said in a letter seen by the EU Observer. No specific products were named. The products concerned are reported to be delicatessen, a selection of dairy and meat products, traditional products, niche products and products with a protected designation of origin.
Not everyone is happy about the deal. It's feared that Russia will punish the biggest opponents of the government, and is able to reward countries that are on friendlier terms with the Kremlin. According to critics, the European solidarity has been surrendered.
End boycott after 'Grexit'
Russia announced that the boycott will be lifted should Greece have to exit the eurozone. With the upcoming Greek elections, where an anti-EU party will possibly become the largest, the term Grexit is being heard again. Russia will, should Greece exit the euro, form its own relations with the country and lift the boycott, the minister of Agriculture said. Countries that have been hit hard by the boycott, also reportedly asked Russia to increase its import of other products. Russia is looking into these possibilities.
End boycott after 'Grexit'
Russia announced that the boycott will be lifted should Greece have to exit the eurozone. With the upcoming Greek elections, where an anti-EU party will possibly become the largest, the term Grexit is being heard again. Russia will, should Greece exit the euro, form its own relations with the country and lift the boycott, the minister of Agriculture said. Countries that have been hit hard by the boycott, also reportedly asked Russia to increase its import of other products. Russia is looking into these possibilities.
Medvedev wants to subsidize loans
During a meeting, Medvedev announced his plan to subsidize the interest on loans for agricultural companies. This would have to be realized at short noticed, in order for the sector to benefit from it this spring.
More revenue expected Russian retail
The Russian government believes that retailer revenues will grow this year, but at a lower rate. A number of retailers, that together account for around a quarter of the total revenues in the sector, are expecting growth. The bad economic situation will change the consumption behaviour and purchase power though. Russia expects the premium segment to take the hardest blows.
Greek peach growers threaten actions
Peach growers in Greece, who suffered a lot of damage due to the Russian boycott last summer, have demanded talks with prime minister Samaras. The 33 million euros of EU subsidy haven't reached the growers yet. The angry growers are threatening to escalate their actions if the government won't pay the money before the elections. The peach growers have already closed several roads, saying they'll expand their actions to polling places. The Greek peach harvest was disappointing due to frost and hail, but the Russian boycott also left a big mark on the Greek sector. Thousands of tonnes weren't harvested because the growers knew there wouldn't be a market for them.
Potatoes attractive export product
Potato exporters from Pakistan think Russia could become one of the biggest markets for their potatoes. Despite the economic situation, Russia is still importing fruit and veg. Pakistan expects to be able to increase its market share on the citrus and potato market.
Good harvest in Czech Republic, but decreasing prices
The Czech fruit harvest was at a five-year high last year. The volumes went up by 2.2% to 152,464 tonnes. The growers were confronted, however, with decreasing prices due to the Russian boycott. Compared to the average over the past five years, the volume increased by 11%. Apples, the biggest product in the Czech Republic, became 25% cheaper per kilo, causing the revenues to go down. The apple harvest was 8.5% higher at 130,902 tonnes. The pear harvest decreased by 50% to 3800 tonnes. The apricot, peach and plum volumes also went down. The Czech Republic has around 17,558 hectares of fruit orchards, 9023 hectares of which are planted with apples.
Russia again intercepts illegal fruit
The Russian inspection service has intercepted 19 tonnes of apples from Moldova. The apples were exported to Kazakhstan through Belarus. Although transport of fruit and vegetable is allowed, it has to occur through a limited number of checkpoints. On the documents accompanying the Moldovan apple, a checkpoint was listed that isn't one of the approved checkpoints. The shipment of apples was sent back.