Russia considering meat and bone meal import ban
Russia is considering a complete ban on all imports of meat and bone meal, which is used in the manufacture of animal feed, poultry and fish – say representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor. Which is to be implemented by mid 2012.
Currently, Russia imports about 70% of feed protein, which hinders the development of domestic feed production, and makes the Russian livestock industry largely dependent on imports.
"In order to bring our veterinary legislation inline with the Europe’s we are considering the option of banning the import of meat and bone meal", announced the head of the Rosselkhoznadzor Sergey Dankvert.
According to Damlvert, the EU’s rules allow the manufacture and export of meat and bone meal, but prohibit its import. "In preparation for WTO (World Trade Organistion) accession, we plan to do likewise," – he said.
In addition, the ban could also be considered a reflection on the quality of meal imported, particularly Europe. Russia recently imposed a ban on imports of a number of products of animal origin from Europe.
Market experts believe that the ban could stimulate the performance of feed industry in the Russian Federation. Its development this year will mostly depend on the implementation of the sectoral target program "Development of feed production in the Russian Federation for 2010-2012", which envisages increase in the production of animal feed in 2012 to 17.1 million tonnes, which will be 9% more than in 2011.
