New products added to Russia export list

Russia is increasing the list of Georgian products allowed into its marketplace.

Onions, carrots, beetroots, peppers, red sweet peppers, watermelon and melon are now allowed to be exported to Russia.

The Georgian Ministry of Agriculture confirmed these products had been approved to be exported abroad. The decision was made two days ago in Russia.

"All decisions that will increase the country’s export potential and capability are important for Georgia. In this regard, [the] decision to increase the list of export goods produced in nature [is good news],” Deputy Minister of Agriculture Otar Danelia said.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) deputy chief Alexandr Saurin thanked the Georgian side for implementing phytosanitary control during a visit of Russian specialist to Georgia in June.

Together with specialists from the NFA, the group conducted phytosanitary control of export goods and got acquainted with the export processes in different regions of Georgia.

Earlier this week the Russian side informed that Rosselkhoznadzor had agreed, with the responsibility of the National Food Agency (NFA), to allow onions, carrots, beetroots, peppers, red sweet peppers, watermelon and melon to be exported to Russia.

From June 28, 2013, after an eight-year pause, Georgia started to export low-risk products (tea, laurel, and other dried fruit) to Russia.

From October 14, 2013, walnut, citrus, grape, apple, pear and quince were added to the list.

The list was again increased in May 26, 2014, when goods of high phytosanitary risk were allowed entry into the Russian market. This included new potatoes (washed, with consumer packaging), tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, eggplant, cherry, apricots, peaches, plums, persimmon, kiwifruit and berries.