"Update Russia: "The initial consequences are being felt"

It is difficult for the Dutch growers to comply to the Russian regulations regarding the flower inspections. The Russians want thrips free flowers, but the Dutch growers are not able to supply them with the crop protection products that are allowed at the moment.

This was reported in an article in a Dutch magazine called Elsevier. Especially in the Chrysanthemums, which account for approximately 50% of the total flower exports from the Netherlands to Russia, thrips are difficult to combat.

According to the Russians, one third of the imported flowers contain pests and the products from the Netherlands are the ones that are threatening the Russian economy and agriculture the most.

"We have to adjust," says chairman of the VGB Rober Roodenburg. "They are free to make import regulations. Just like we do in the Netherlands. We must ensure that our flowers comply to their rules."

Consequences
"The initial consequences are beingfelt," reports Lucas Vos, CEO at FloraHolland. We have ascertained a decrease in the turnover of certain types of flowers that are commonly exported to Russia. Last week the chrysanthemums suffered a drop in sales compared to the same week last year. Several factors influence this price-setting and sales, but we suspect that the current situation with the export of flowers to Russia is having an effect. It's a worrying situation."

All exports from the Netherlands to Russia have been decreasing for some time now. The statistics, presented by the VGB last Tuesday, show that the total amount of exports from the Netherlands to Russia decreased by a quarter compared to last year. The sales decreased to 37 million euros.