Armenia halts strawberry shipments to Russia after phytosanitary findings

Armenia has temporarily suspended several shipments of strawberries bound for Russia after transporters were turned back at the “Bagratashen” border checkpoint on the Armenian-Georgian border, preventing them from continuing toward the “Lars” crossing.

The opposition MP, Garnik Danielyan, reported the developments on social media, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

He said exporters were informed that Armenia’s phytosanitary authorities had imposed a ban on the export of the produce due to the detection of unacceptable substances. He added that such restrictions had not previously been applied and that the goods had met established standards.

“Additional concerns are also raised regarding upcoming cherry exports: farmers fear that similar restrictions could also be imposed on this product. The situation is directly linked to the deterioration of Armenian-Russian relations. A significant portion of Armenian agricultural products is sold in the Russian market and in the EAEU markets, therefore steps and statements that could harm bilateral relations are unacceptable. (…) For them, politics is a field for adventure. And huge losses are borne by our entrepreneurs and citizens,” Danielyan said.

Meanwhile, Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Body said the temporary restrictions are linked to the detection of quarantine organisms. It stressed that the inspection authority fulfilled its mandate by examining export products and that shipments were banned where violations were identified. The Armenian side added that it sees nothing unusual in the measures taken.

By Vafa Guliyeva