Since the beginning of the year, Armenia has increased its supply of fruits and vegetables to Russia by 1.5 times—reaching 103,400 tons, up from 69,600 tons in the same period last year—and boosted cut flower exports by 47%, totaling over 71.1 million units compared to 48.5 million previously.
This was reported by Rosselkhoznadzor following a meeting between its head Sergey Dankvert and Tigran Petrosyan, head of Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Body.
According to Sputnik Armenia, a total of 84.4 million flower units were delivered throughout the previous year.
Rosselkhoznadzor had earlier pointed out that analysis of the data provided by the Armenian agency indicated a lack of traceability in the origin of the flower products exported to Russia, raising concerns about potentially unregulated and possibly hazardous shipments.
The two sides agreed to uphold the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EAEU) phytosanitary requirements during deliveries and discussed in greater detail the procedures for flower imports to Russia.
Petrosyan assured that the Russian market remains a priority for Armenia and pledged that the country’s authorities would meet EAEU export regulations.
Currently, greenhouse audits are underway in Armenia. Rosselkhoznadzor will inspect some enterprises directly, while others will operate under the supervision of the Armenian agency. As a result of joint efforts, 14 Armenian flower producers have regained access to the Russian market with backing from Armenian authorities.
Gohar Barseghyan, Minister for Industry and Agro-Industrial Complex at the Eurasian Economic Commission, also took part in the meeting.
In June, Rosselkhoznadzor nearly fully blocked flower imports from Armenia after detecting thrips (pest insects). Following talks with Armenia’s food safety agency, inspections of greenhouses resumed online.
