October 29, 2007

Russia hints at re-opening markets to Polish meat

Russia has agreed to send inspectors back to Polish production facilities, indicating an end to the 17-month ban on Polish meat may be in sight.

The ban was put in place after Russia said the country had failed to maintain health standards and control smuggling.

Russia has now indicated it would re-inspect facilities along with EU experts.

Polish meat producers have been finding it hard to find buyers since the Russian ban. Over a quarter of Poland's population is employed in agriculture with over half a million pig farmers.

Poland's economy is estimated to be losing EUR 1 million a day, from the ban.