‘Russian meat-processing companies might have to raise prices due to bans on import from the U.S., France, Germany, Uruguay, and Brazil, since we’ll eventually switch to new suppliers. The only companies that will manage to deal with the constant supply shortages will be those seriously considering setting up their own meat source. Our plant, for example, started renovation of Laiskiy pig farm meant for 108,000 head of cattle as early as 2003,’ says Sergey Emelyanov, CEO Good Taste Meatpacking Plant.

Rosselkhoznadzor (the state agricultural watchdog) put temporary limits on meat export from a number of companies based in the U.S., France, Germany, Brazil, and Uruguay. Over 200 tons of poultry, beef, and pork imported from these countries have been examined this January, and the meat was found to be infected with salmonella. For the time being, the U.S. has been forbidden to import chicken legs, poultry, and minced chicken or turkey; France cannot sell turkey, Uruguay and Brazil can’t supply beef, Germany cannot supply chicken or pork. Rosselkhoznadzor said on a number of occasions that it was going to ban import of cattle produce from the EU beginning from April 1, 2007 unless each country produces veterinary certificates before March 31, 2007.Alongside with the certificates, the vets have to present monitoring plan for the harmful and illegal substances content in the meat and fodder in 2007 as well as last year’s account.

‘Russian agriculture has a good chance of revival provided we are fully protected from unfair competition on the part of foreign suppliers who often give us not only unnecessary but sometimes low-quality or even unsafe meat. Still, the alarming situation on the meat market can be dealt with. According to the National Agricultural Program for 2007-2008, Russia has to raise its meat production by 7%, which will be good for both consumers and meat-processing companies,’ Mr. Emelyanov says.