Attracted by opportunities on the EU market, Russian authorities are increasing support for the country’s organic farmers
Russia’s ministry of agriculture is investigating the possibility of becoming a supplier of organic products within the scope of the World Trade Organisation, according to a report from Pravda.
Lawmakers in the country are reportedly working on a bill, due to be handed over to the ministry this month, to support the production of organic agricultural products for the EU market.
They have provided a system of certification of environmentally friendly products, credits, subsidies, insurance and support, with small and medium-sized businesses that provide services to organic producers also receiving state aid.
Organic farmers promised to reduce costs on their products and use Russia’s participation in the WTO to enter the EU market with their products, Pravda reported.
In 2011, the Russian market of organic products was estimated at €46m-€62m, less than 0.1 per cent of all food consumed in the country.
Only 10 per cent of all organic products on the Russian market is produced by domestic farmers, with most coming from Germany.