There have been many responses in Russia to the government's demand that boycotted products be destroyed. Communists want the food to be given to the poor. Others propose using the products to generate power. A consumer organisation sued the government over the destruction. A legal proposal has been made in the Duma to persecute all parties involved in smuggling. The border controls between Russia and Belarus and Kazakhstan have been tightened. Besides the main roads, country roads are also being controlled to prevent smuggling. Seventeen Moldavian companies have received permission to resume export to Russia. The German minister of Agriculture is prepared to talk to Russia about an end to the boycott. Medvedev also hinted that the borders won't be closed forever. Armenia is profiting from the situation. The country saw the export to Russia increase significantly compared to last year.
Russian government sued over destruction of food
The Russian Consumer Rights Protection Organisation OZPP has sued the Russian state over the destruction of boycotted food. Last week Russia destroyed food that was included in the boycott, which led to anger amongst the Russian people. Last month president Putin issued a decreed that ordered the food to be destroyed. The OZPP wants to present the decree to the High Council. "Foreseeing consumers of good quality and safe agricultural products, cheese and other food, regardless of the country of origin, cannot be a threat to Russian food safety," according to the organisation.
Prime Minister Medvedev recently defended the decision. He used an example of Polish apples: "These apples that are exported are covered in chemicals by the Polish, but they only eat the good ones." He was referencing the point of view of a grower from Krasnodar, who estimated that a Polish apple has twice as many MRL's than a Russian one.
Yuri Luzhkov, former mayor of Moscow, proposed turning the boycotted products into biogas, fertilizer and fuel instead of destroying them. Communists in the parliament want to give the food to the poor.
Last week another party of fruits and vegetables was intercepted. Of the 592 tonnes of smuggled products intercepted, 552 tonnes was destroyed.
Russian legal proposal: all those involved in smuggling punishable
In the Russian parliament, the Duma, a legal proposal has been submitted to make all those involved in smuggling punishable by law. The goal is not just to tackle smugglers, but also the traders who profit from smuggling without the threat of prosecution, according to the Duma. According to those who took the initiative, the boycotted products can easily be added to the law regarding smuggling alcohol and tobacco. "It's fair to punish those who disregard the decision of the authorities regarding the food boycott in the same way as smugglers of alcohol and tobacco," according to a parliamentarian. Tourists who transport products within the legally allowed amounts, are exempt from this law.
Stricter Belarus and Kazakhstan border controls
Border controls between Russian and neighbouring countries Belarus and Kazakhstan are being tightened again. This was announced by the Russian phytosanitary service. The inspection also reported they would be checking the highways and country roads more diligently. They are looking for places used a lot by smugglers. However, the organisation's financial power has not been increase, which limits possibilities.
Moldavian fruit going to Russia
The Russian phytosanitary service has given 17 Moldavian fruit companies permission to resume export to Russia. After inspections there turned out to be no objections. Permitted products are apples, pears, quinces, cherries, peaches, nectarines and plums. The inspection praised the Gagauzia region and the growers in the area. The governor of the region believes it is a logical step to reach an agreement between the countries. He expects that the resuming of he export will help the growers who are in a crisis.
German minister open to Russian discussion
The German minister of Agriculture, Christian Schmidt, says he is open to a discussion with Russia about the possibility of lifting the boycott. As the boycott causes damage on both sides the minister is prepared to do everything in his power to find cooperation.
Medvedev: boycott isn't forever
Prime minister Medvedev is appealing to the agricultural sector in Russia to use this current situation to develop. He believes the boycott is a great opportunity to get the sector to a higher level, but he also said that the boycott won't last forever. The sector has to focus on products for the export market and the domestic market.
Armenia exporting more to Russia
In a press release from the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture the government writes that the export to Russia has increased considerably. This year 83% of the fruit and vegetable export went to Russia, whereas a year ago it was 30%. In total the export count is at 50,300 tonnes, of which 21,000 tonnes apricots. Other big products are peaches, plums, cherries, tomatoes and cucumbers.
