September 1, 2009
Russia has no plans to ban meat imports by 2012
Russia is not planning to impose a ban on all imports of poultry and pork by 2012, according to First Vice-Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov, refuting a previous report.
In July, it was reported that Russia plans to stop importing pork and poultry by 2012, replacing them entirely with domestic meat.
But Zubkov has come out to refute the reports, saying the move is useless and practically impossible.
There should be an effective competition between Russian and foreign producers, and many consumers have become used to certain products which they have used their whole lives, said the minister.
However, the minister said meat imports should be supplied in small volumes so it cannot harm Russian food security.
