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Food embargo will not be lifted soon — Russian Minister of Agriculture

The domestic agribusiness will significantly improve its competitiveness by the time of abolishing Russia’s response measures in the format of the food embargo against Western sanctions, minister said

© TASS/Donat Sorokin

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Russia broadens foods import from South America and Asia during food embargo

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Russia’s food embargo is not expected to be lifted soon, Minister of Agriculture Alexander Tkachev said on Thursday. "I think this will hardly take place tomorrow," the minister added.

The domestic agribusiness will significantly improve its competitiveness by the time of abolishing Russia’s response measures in the format of the food embargo against Western sanctions, the minister said. "It is fine even if these are canceled in two-three years," Tkachev added.

Abolishment of grain export prices did not entail any considerable price hike on the domestic market, the minister said. "Prices grew by just 200-300 rubles ($4-6) and not across the whole territory of the country," Tkachev said. The new mechanism for calculation of the wheat export duty is called to protect the domestic market against dramatic fluctuations of the dollar rate, the minister added.

Tkachev also supports establishment of domestic food producers, particularly the food network project "Edim doma!" ("Eating at home!") "I think it has the right to life. I will support projects related to the domestic production development in every possible way as a minister," he added.

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