Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 5 June (BelTA) – The actions of Rosselkhoznadzor in respect of Belarusian enterprises are inadequate and groundless, Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats told reporters on the sidelines the international agriculture expo Belagro 2018, BelTA has learned.

Rosselkhoznadzor announced that on 6 June it imposes temporary restrictions on certain types of Belarusian dairy products in containers larger than 2.5 liters. “They took us by surprise. Recently, we have seen inadequate and groundless steps by Rosselkhoznadzor in respect of Belarusian enterprises. Yesterday's decision is another manifestation of protectionism. What we see is the attempts to squeeze Belarusian enterprises out of the market,” Leonid Zayats said.

He noted that Belarus and Russia sign food balance sheets every year. “We determine the volume of deliveries of dairy and meat products and try to meet them. Belarus provides Russian consumers with high-quality products. We execute a very stringent laboratory control at all stages: from production of raw materials to shipments of products. Finished products are tested by the accredited laboratories - regional, national. We guarantee that our products are safe,” the minister said.

Leonid Zayats expressed the hope that with the new minister of agriculture in Russia, the situation will change. “There is hope that the situation will be back to normal and that all conditions for work will be created, in accordance with the normative and legal documents signed by the heads of our states,” he added.