Breakthrough as Russia prepares to lift ban on imports of Irish pigmeat
Pork produced after February 1 can go to Russia, an export market worth more than €12 million to Ireland in 2007, according to Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.
The breakthrough comes as a major epidemic of African Swine Fever threatens Russia. According to media reports, regional authorities have destroyed more than 22,000 pigs, mainly in southern Russia. Analysts believe if the infection moves into the Central and Volga federal districts it may destroy up to 41.4% of the Russian pig population.
That could force Russia to restore the 2010 import quotas which it recently restricted, and leave in more pork imports at low duty rates.
The disease will affect Russia’s plan to build its pig industry and cease almost all pork imports by 2012.
