September 29, 2010

Russian leader says US poultry import issues solved

Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik has announced Monday (Sep 27) that all issues regarding the resumption of US poultry imports to the country have been resolved.

"Imports have already started," Skrynnik said. Poultry supplies are expected in Russia's Primorsky Region and in St. Petersburg before October 4, said Sergei Dankvert, head of Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight.

Russian chief health inspector Gennady Onishchenko was quoted as saying in August that Russia would only allow poultry supplies from those US companies that have undergone an examination by the Russian veterinary regulator.

Speaking about Russia's ban on grain exports, Skrynnik said the ban was a temporary measure and would be lifted once it is possible in terms of food provision. Russia introduced the ban in mid-August because of a reduced grain harvest, caused by drought in June-August.

Russia's grain harvest has so far amounted to 58.2 million tonnes and the country also has 26 million tonnes of grain reserves.