8 December 2009

1 minute read

Europe

With global food security a big issue, the Russian government is planning to increase monitoring of the food security situation in the country. Addressing the Food Security Council, the President said that guarenteeing food supplies was essential for the country's social stability.

Also suggested was the introduction of rational food consumption norms that meet modern physiological demands for healthy food, as well improvement of laws governing land relations.

In his speech, President Medvedev encouraged growth of the processing industry, saying that the lack of primary processing facilities meant much of the meat processed was imported. He said that imported meat quality standards were considerably higher than those for Russian meat. The President spoke of the possibility of state support for foodstuffs processing enterprises.

Russia will be taking part in the Customs Union starting next year, the President announced. He said this would open a number of opportunities for the agriculture industry with Belarus and Kazakhstan.

All of the above is expected to be drawn up in a new policy to ensure meat and food security in Russia before 1 April, 2010.

The President ended his speech saying, "We all need to play a more active part in the international global partnership on food security."

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