Canada’s pork exports to Russia likely to be limited
Restrictions appear to be ahead for Canada’s pork exports to Russia, as a result of a dispute over the use of ractopamine.
The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) stated that under the new rules, Russia will import only pork that has been certified to be without ractopamine. Since Canada does not know this type of certification, the rules may lead to a ban on pork exports from Canada to Russia.
Re-examination
Jacques Pomerleau, president of Canada Pork International, said the restrictions will mean that pork producers may have re-examine their use of ractopamine, if they want to continue to export into Russia.
“It means that those who wish to export to Russia will have to adapt their production accordingly.”
He added: “We don’t know yet… which plant would be on the list, what the exact impact will be.”
Pomerleau says Russia is Canada’s third-largest market for Canadian pork, with imports worth about CAN$500 million last year.
Disappointment
The Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said the government was ‘disappointed’ in Russia for imposing these restrictions. He said, “Our government is disappointed that despite our collaborative efforts, the Russian government is moving forward with this measure not rooted in science.”
He continued, “We continue to work aggressively with Canadian industry to restore their access into the important Russian market.”
Related websites:
Canada Pork International
Rosselkhoznadzor
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