July 19, 2011

EU opens market to Russian poultry

EU officials finally agreed to open its market to Russian poultry products following several years of negotiations.

After the last check of companies in Belgorod, inspectors were satisfied about the level of technology and compliance with veterinary requirements.

Soon Russian companies will be able to deliver their products to European markets. Experts believe that this will also encourage other businesses to upgrade their level of technology and expand their product range.

Last week Rosselkhoznadzor, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance in Russia, received a letter from the European authorities, stating that they are considering the possibility of supplying poultry products from Russia to the EU. "EU inspectors made a decision to open their market and requested additional information about the functioning of the Russian monitoring system of the export products safety", said Rosselkhoznadzor spokesman Alex Alekseenko.

If the Russian veterinary service will be accredited by European authorities, it will have to submit a list of companies that can fulfill the requirements of the EU. And after that Rosselkhoznadzor should ensure that these requirements are really implemented.

For several years Rosselkhoznadzor repeatedly has sent requests to the EU on this subject, but EU inspectors began to check the Russian companies only two years ago, said Alekseenko. Experts also were examining companies like "Cherkizovo", "Optifood" and "Mosselprom."