Agriculture Minister comments on limiting mead and milk imports

There is no direct relation between Russia's plans on introducing a quota for meat and milk products and a possible limitation of Russian grain imports by the European Union, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexey Gordeyev reported at a press conference today answering an RBC question. He stressed that plans on restricting imports of meat and milk products were discussed as a fast response to the situation on the world and domestic food markets. Such decision is to be made by the Economy Ministry, Gordeyev stressed; however, the new customs duty policy regarding imports of meat and milk products will be enforced from the beginning of 2003.

The Minister stressed that the amount of the quota was to increase the share of Russian production in the domestic production growth to 80 percent. This figure is currently under 45 percent. At the same time, the introduction of the restrictions should take place stage-by-stage in order to prevent a deficit of these products on the Russian market.