The Russian Federal Service for Vetenary and Phytosanitary Surveillance is considering the possibility of banning Ukrainian fruit and vegetable imports, because of the threat of penetration of the Western corn rootworm in Russia.
As explained by the entity's spokesman, Alexei Alexeenko, the ban could affect a vast group of products, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, flowers and grain.
The insect feeds on the pollen of many plant species, including Asteraceae, legumes, cereals, Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae. The total losses caused by its spread may reach 5 billion roubles per year, warns the Russian service.
Experts say that Ukrainian plant producers are, to a large extent, dependent on Russia, as it accounts for not less than 80 % of Ukraine's total fresh and processed fruit and vegetable exports. According to the portal "Fruit-Inform: Vegetables and Fruits", the total value of exports to Russia is estimated at nearly $ 30 million, and the absence of exports, analysts say, could lead to mass bankruptcy of the largest greenhouse complexes.
Meanwhile, despite the partnership agreements, Ukrainian companies will not soon be able to start delivering their products to the EU markets, said the deputy head of the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service, Vitaly Bashi. He stated that exporting companies will be audited in July for compliance with the requirements established by European legislations; however, due to bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining permits and certificates of delivery, shipments will not start earlier than 2015.
