Russian ban - EU fruit and vegetable sector

30.10.2017

Question for oral answer O-000082/2017
to the Commission
Rule 128
Czesław Adam Siekierski, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

The Russian import ban has deprived European fruit and vegetable producers of a major export market and its extension until 31 December 2018 will undoubtedly continue to have severe implications for this EU sector.

For the third year this has caused EU producers significant losses, which are not connected to the conflict in the Ukraine. Given the persistent volatility in the agricultural markets, the Russian ban has further aggravated the situation of EU agricultural producers.

Given that it is not feasible in the short/medium term to open new alternative markets for the EU fruit and vegetable sector comparable to the Russian one, owing in particular to non-tariff barriers to trade, a sustainable solution until the total end of the Russian import ban is needed.

1. In the light of the above, does the Commission intend to take further action to support European fruit and vegetable producers and exporters? If so, what specific and sustainable measures is it considering?

2. European fruit and vegetable producers should not be left to their own devices. What steps will the Commission and Council therefore take to ensure the future of European fruit and vegetable producers and exporters?

3. What will the Commission do to help offset the losses of farmers caused by the Russian ban? Will the Commission publish a study on the effectiveness of re-orientation to other markets and on the evolution of EU agricultural production, distribution and demand since the Russian ban was introduced, with specific examination of the situation of/impact on small producers?