Russian ban causes concern

THE Russian import ban on certain produce from the EU could cost the Valencia Region millions of euros.

Direct imports to Russia of the region’s fruit and vegetables last year totalled €151 million. The Generalitat vice-president, Jose Ciscar, who also heads the region’s department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said the import ban will negatively affect the industry and is launching a campaign to encourage the region to turn to local produce: “We have to help the local economy and our agricultural sector by becoming principal clients for our top quality products.”

Citrus fruit, dessert grapes, pomegranates and persimmons are all suffering the after-effects of the Russian veto, Ciscar added.

Meetings are to be held with the National Government to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, Valencian growers are studying ways to by-pass the ban on the import of European produce by using countries not affected by the veto as initial destinations and then transport to their customers.