Russia lifts ban on tomato imports from more Azerbaijani enterprises
By Ayya Lmahamad
Russia’s agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has lifted the ban on tomatoes imports for four more Azerbaijani enterprises, Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency reported on March 16.
In order to remove the existing import restrictions, Rosselkhoznadzor in cooperation with Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency conducts video inspections of Azerbaijani enterprises to determine whether they are infected with tomato moth.
So far, relevant Russian authority lifted the ban on import for 74 tomatoes and 46 apples producers companies operating in Azerbaijan.
Currently, the export potential of enterprises that are allowed to export tomatoes is 229,218 tons, which is 127.3 percent of the 179,956 tons of tomato products exported to Russia last year.
Rosselkhoznadzor banned the import of Azerbaijani tomatoes and apples on December 10, citing the necessity to “prevent the import and spread” of pesticides to Russia.
Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency and relevant agencies are taking joint measures to lift restrictions on the tomatoes and apple export from Azerbaijan to Russia.
Azerbaijan is a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to Russia. The country ranked first in supplies of fresh and chilled tomatoes.
Russia was Azerbaijan's third-largest trade partner, as well as the first largest trade partner among CIS countries in 2020 with a trade turnover of $2.6 billion. Export to Russia amounted to $709.3 million, while import to $1.9 billion.
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Ayya Lmahamad is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @AyyaLmahamad
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