Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev told the Russian journalists attending the Green Week fair in Berlin that Russia has both plans and the opportunity to enter global and European markets with its agricultural products.
Mr Gordeyev argued that Russian products are environmentally friendly, free of preservatives and chemicals and generally healthy. He spoke of Russia’s innovations in the field of agriculture, stressing that Russia does not produce genetically modified food yet keeps up with global research in the area.
At the same time Mr Gordeyev levied criticism at the EU saying, "Europe is closed for Russia because of the introduction of import duties, subsidies and tough protectionist measures. There are no conditions for honest competition." He blamed the lack of consultations with Russia on import/agricultural issues for current difficulties and losses in Russian agriculture that amount to €350-500 million a year, due to the closed markets.
Yet Mr Gordeyev said he is of the opinion that these barriers can be overcome, stressing positive developments in Russian-German relations, the countries’ position as the two largest in Europe and the friendship and political vision uniting the two heads of state.
