Israel to export poultry products to Russia

Russia now joins many Western countries that enable the import of Israeli meat products, including the United States, Canada, South Africa and 28 EU nations, the statement added.

By SHARON UDASIN
An Ultra-Orthodox man holds a chicken as he performs the Kapparot ritual ahead of Yom Kippur [Illustrative] (photo credit: REUTERS)
An Ultra-Orthodox man holds a chicken as he performs the Kapparot ritual ahead of Yom Kippur [Illustrative]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
While the European Union has decided to label Israeli goods generated in settlements, Russia will be “opening its doors” to importing Israeli poultry products, the Agriculture Ministry said on Monday.
“I see great importance in expanding Israeli chicken exports to Russia,” said Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel. “This is another example, in light of the EU boycott, of the government’s activity to open exports to other countries.”
After a lengthy period of examinations that began four years ago, Russia has completed its checks and approved the import of Israeli poultry products into the country, under the supervision of Veterinary Services at the Israeli Agriculture Ministry, said a ministry statement released on Monday.
Russia now joins many Western countries that enable the import of Israeli meat products, including the United States, Canada, South Africa and 28 EU nations, the statement added.
Over the past four years, Russia’s Veterinary Services has been working with its Israeli counterpart, conducting supervisory and compliance tests particularly in the areas of food safety, hygiene, equipment and control systems that monitor the food production process, the ministry said.
Today, the largest amount of Israeli poultry meat exports head to Europe – 2,271 tons annually – with about 1,045 tons going to the US and Canada and about 9 tons to South Africa, ministry data said.
Dr. Shlomo Garazi, chief veterinarian for import and export in the Agriculture Ministry, described Russia’s decision to enable Israeli poultry imports as “a tribute to our local supervision.”
“Foreign trade in our country is very important, both for the development of the country’s economy and its reputation, given the quality of the products, in countries around the world,” Garazi added.