Baltic Export, Foodstuff, Good for Business, Lithuania, Markets and Companies, USA

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The ambassador confirmed that the US inspectors prepared the official report about Lithuanian companies' conformity to the US requirements. Lithuanian companies were assessed favourably and it only remains to settle formalities.

According to McCarthy, it is realistic for Lithuania to start exporting meat products to the US from 2015 and the US will make every effort for this to happen. The ambassador said she fully understands the difficult situation the Baltic states are in as a result of the Russian ban to import food products.

Minister of Agriculture Virginija Baltraitiene, informed the ambassador about the problems that dairy and meat sectors face. Baltraitiene also talked about the negotiations with the European Commission on compensations to producers and processors for losses experienced because of embargo imposed by Russia. "We are seeking for dairy and meat sectors of smaller EU countries to receive support. The issue will be discussed at the extraordinary EU Agricultural Council on 5 September," said Baltraitiene.

The two politicians also discussed scientific cooperation possibilities. The ambassador shared experience of US founded agricultural school in Greece, which achieved great results. "The investment completely justified itself. Therefore, establishment of a similar school in Lithuania should be considered," said the US ambassador.

It was agreed that Prime Minster Algirdas Butkevicius who is going to pay a visit to the US in September will among other matters discuss relevant food product export issues.