Russia's ban on import of Polish fruit and vegetables may create complex effect for the Latvia, local media reported.
Janis Berzins, head of "Marupes siltumnicas" reminded of the situation of a few years ago when Russia also closed its market and Polish enormous amounts of fruit and vegetables flooded the Baltic countries.
Additionally, he noted that Europe has already allowed import of vegetables from Ukraine. Berzins predicted that these vegetables may be sold under the Polish label and thus local consumers may buy genetically- modified, chemically- enriched products without even knowing that, as the standards for these production is much lower in Ukraine.
Inguna Gulbe, head of Agricultural Market Promotion Centre, is also concerned by the greater risk for the local producers poised by the Polish products: "They have to sell their vegetables fast, but Poles know how to haggle. It means that both sides will come to a solution that will be good to both chain stores and suppliers. Unfortunately, there is a high risk that, as a result, local producers, who are already having hard times competing with the cheaper products from Poland, will be forced out."
Inara Sure, head of the Latvian Food Producers' Federation, stated that by far it is hard to predict the affect of the Russia's ban, yet expressed her hope that the consumers will stay loyal to the Latvian producers.
Ministry of Agriculture agreed to hold a special discussion on this issue tomorrow. Minister of Agriculture Janis Duklavs is to take part in the meeting.