Agriculture, Baltic States – CIS, Estonia, EU – CIS, Legislation, Markets and Companies

"Even 80% of our pigs go to Russia so that if the Russian ban is implemented, we are in big trouble," said Tartu Agro manager Aavo Mölder. "This would automatically mean a fall of turnover since in Russia the price is by a fourth higher than in Estonia now."

Closing Russian market also would mean oversupply of pork in Estonia, which in long-term perspective might force some farmers close business, said OÜ Aiu Põllumajandus board member Alar Põldmaa.

Veterinary and Food Board export and import department head Regina Pihlakas said that out of 364,000 Estonian pigs, over 211,000 were sold to Russia last year and losing the Russian market would be a major setback for pig farmers.

Russian agriculture supervision institution Rosselhoznadzor explained the decision to ban import of pigs, cattle and sheep from the European Union with the spread of Schmallenberg and bluetongque viruses and non-compliance with certification requirement of live pigs. The decision can be changed at the meeting of EU and Russian representatives this week.