Russian row hits Irish food industry

IFA president Padraig Walshe called on Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan to insist that the problem between the Russian Federation and the European Commission over agri-food exports are addressed at this week’s EU Council of Farm Ministers meeting in Brussels.

Mr Walshe said the difficulties have threatened agri-food trade worth €60 million between Ireland and Russia from January 1, 2007.

He said the difficulties that have arisen in relation to Romania and Bulgaria’s accession must be resolved to avert any damage to Irish exports.