On Wednesday Russia decided to extend for another year its embargo on fruit and vegetables from the European Union, despite expectations from producers and exporters in Greece of Russia easing some of its restrictions.
The special consultant for the association of fruit, vegetable and juice distributors and exporters Incofruit Hellas Giorgos Polychronakis commented that this development means that Russia is no longer a strategic EU partner and essentially locks Greece out of the Russian market.
While this undoubtedly has had an impact on Greek exports, Mr. Polychronakis noted that this has provided Greece and the EU with the impetus to turn to new and traditional markets, which could have significant long-term effects. He added that the EU must revise its agricultural policy, so that European produce is supported and similar situations are addressed efficiently.
Furthermore, the European fruit and vegetables trade association EUCOFEL has called the European Commission to maintain the emergency support measures that were previously approved in order to address the Russian embargo and which helped bring balance and calm to the market and producers.
