The National Food Safety Agency on February 26 started to issue phytosanitary certificates for the export of apples to Russia, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ion Sula announced, being quoted by IPN.

The minister told a news conference that the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance allowed partially resuming the import of Moldovan apples into Russia on a trial basis, for an indefinite period, under the quality guarantee of the National Food Safety Agency of Moldova. The Russian authority warned that if violations of the phytosanitary norms are identified, the export will be stopped.

Ion Sula stated that ten companies have been authorized to export apples to Russia, but discussions are being held to extend this list and to also resume the export of cans and meat.

The companies allowed to export Moldovan apples to Russia are: SRL “Ungureanca”, CAP “Prima-Nicatim”, SRL “Plaiul Birladean”, GT “Scutaru Victor”, SRL “Grimafruct”, SRL “Bona-Fruct”, SRL “Bucuria-Saturn”, “Agrodenidan”, “Agrostar, “Unit-Olimp”. The producers from the Transnistrian districts Grigoriopol, Dubasari, Camenca, Rybnitsa and Slobozia can also export apples to Russia. Before Russia imposed a ban, about 250 Moldovan companies were able to export products to Russia.