Armenia expands agricultural exports to new markets after Russia curbs

Armenia is redirecting exports of greenhouse-grown produce to alternative markets following restrictions on imports into Russia, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said.

Thus, shipments are now being sent to Georgia, Ukraine, Greece, Kazakhstan and several other countries as the sector adjusts to changing trade conditions, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Papoyan told parliament that the transition is ongoing and that export volumes are expected to rise significantly, adding that there are currently no restrictions on outbound trade and that state subsidies increase in line with higher export levels.

He also said the government is preparing a new decision to extend export subsidies to additional agricultural goods, including fruit and vegetables grown outside greenhouses.

Earlier, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) imposed temporary restrictions on the import of seed crops, pome fruits, aubergines, potatoes and dried fruits from Armenia, effective from June 3, with the measures also covering transit shipments to EAEU member states.

By Aghakazim Guliyev