US/Russian deal opens door for US animal feed export
Following the signing of an agreement by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), US producers will be able to export animal feed and ingredients to all parts of Russia. Under the agreement the products must not contain ingredients that originated from animals, said Tanya Espinosa, the representative of APHIS.
“Each country sets its own requirements for products it imports”, Espinosa said. “APHIS’ role is to certify that US products meet the importing country’s requirements. Ingredients are typically feed supplements or vitamin premixes containing more than one component, including grains, oilseeds or other plant-based products”.
The market opened in December 2012, and the USDA expects to see trade begin early this year. The feed can go for cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses or other animals. Espinosa said the level of demand is estimated at “a few million” US dollars per year.
“US farmers will benefit from larger demand for these products for export,” she said.
The agreedment became in part possible after President Barack Obama granted permanent normal trade relations with Russia in 2012. Plus the US Congress passing the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012, which rescinds legislation that has been called a roadblock to the US taking full advantage of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
The American Feed Industry Association was part of the Coalition for US-Russian Trade, and supports the action by both houses of Congress and the President. Experts noted that as the demand for feed production in Russia is rising the US could significantly boost the volume of export to this country in the near future.
