Marat Akhmetov comments on the Rosselkhoznadzor's decision to limit the supply of dairy products from Belarus

On February 24, Tatarstan Minister of Agriculture and Food Marat Akhmetov commented on the decision of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) to limit the supply of dairy products from Belarus.

According to him, the reason for the restrictions was the low quality of the products supplied. "This was a thorough decision, because more than 40 Belarusian milk processing enterprises have been supervised by the government for a long time in connection with claims to the quality of a wide range of products," Akhmetov told reporters after the traditional regional meeting in the Government House of the republic.

He continued that now the Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus Leonid Zayats states that his department is not aware of the reasons that led to imposing such stringent measures by Russia. However, the Russian side has repeatedly voiced its claims regarding nonconformity of quality of Belarusian products with its requirements, he went on to say.

"The Rosselkhoznadzor’s decision has given rise to a very serious response. It is probably under pressure to cancel the decision. However, we understand and agree with this decision aimed at protecting our, Russian producers,” the Minister said.

“We remember that Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov appealed to the Chairman of the Russian Government and we hope that the Rosselkhoznadzor’s decision will help Russian, Tatarstan producers be more widely displayed in Russian shops," Akhmetov added.

He continued that the restriction on the supply of Belarusian dairy products will in no way affect prices, because there is enough milk in the country. Tatarstan is one of the leaders in the production and supply of a good quality product. With the coming of spring and summer, milk yields will be even greater, Akhmetov added.