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Food Exports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Ceisteanna (318)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

318. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been progress at EU level on the possible re-opening of the Russian market for some food products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19085/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The issue of the Russian ban on agri-food exports from the European Union is one that is discussed at the Agriculture Council of Ministers. 

There are essentially two bans in place. The Russian Federation imposed a temporary ban on the importation of pigs, pork and reproductive material certified from the EU after 26 January 2014 in response to the discovery of two cases of African Swine Fever in wild boar in Lithuania. Efforts to make progress in lifting this ban are continuing.

A more general ban on the importation of agri-food products was imposed by the Russian Federation in August 2014 on countries (including the EU) that had adopted sanctions against Russia in the context of the situation in Ukraine. Although partially lifted (since 1 June 2016) in respect of imports of beef, poultry and vegetables intended for use in baby food manufacturing, the overall ban remains in place, and on 29 June 2016, the Russian authorities announced a further extension, to 31 December 2017.  

All Member States, including Ireland, have consistently urged the European Commission to intensify its contacts with the Russian authorities with a view to lifting these bans, particularly to restoring the trade in live pigs, pork fat, lard and offal. Commissioner Hogan has indicated that the Commission has been working hard on this issue, but has not been able to make the hoped-for progress to date. While efforts to secure real engagement from the Russian authorities will continue, the broader task of securing alternative market outlets for EU food products will also be progressed.

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