Government confirms Russian embargo to Brazilian slaughterhouses

In total there are ten companies , nine of beef and one pork
by Estadão Content

( Russia embargoed imports of beef and pork - Photo : Ernesto de Souza / Ed . Globe )

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation ( Rosselkhoznadzor ) is imposing temporary restrictions on imports of pork and beef from Brazil . 10 refrigerators are constrained nine beef (six JBS , two of the Minerva and Osi ) and pork , the Pamplona ( Riosulense ) , in Santa Catarina .
Through a statement, the ministry said that the Russian official sent a preliminary report of the inspection mission that was in the country from June 30 to July 14, 2013 . " This document will be discussed by the Ministry of Agriculture , Livestock and Supply , which will make your comments before publication of the final version that will be made by the Russian authorities ," the ministry said .

According to the Ministry , the Russian document must be translated before being analyzed by experts in the folder . Only then will be able to "assess the problems identified by the Russians and take the necessary steps as soon as possible ," the statement said .

The executive director of the Association of Brazilian Beef Exporters ( Abiec ) , Fernando Sampaio , said the nine slaughterhouses were prevented from selling to Russia from October 2 . " From time to time , the Russian health authorities decide to place temporary restrictions or controls the largest Brazilian units . But the decision to impound these nine plants was due to the last visit they made to the country in July ," Sampaio said in an interview with Broadcast service, real-time news from the Associated Press.

He explained that in the report that is with the Ministry of Agriculture , the Russian authorities indicate that there are " non-compliance with the health standards of the country ." " They describe what happens to each unit . What has to realize , in a general aspect , is that they cite the very question of the use of ractopamine , but there are other ' non-conformities '" said Sampaio . Today , there are 56 units authorized to sell to Russia , but only 14 - with the current embargo - are fully paid for sending batches to the country .

Sampaio said it is not possible to calculate the impact on industry sales . One reason is that companies in the sector are well diversified geographically and can cater to the Russian market through other plants . The second is that while there is a significant amount of restrictions on units , Russia increased the share allocated to Brazilian exports of beef. " It seems contradictory , but Russia gives quota to Europe , United States and other countries . Brazil The fits that quota ' other countries ' , which was an increase of tonnage ," he said .

Sampaio further explained that Abiec is asking the Ministry of Agriculture to reiterate the health guarantees which were given to the Russians at the time of the visits of the authorities of the country and brig for a reversal of the decision as soon as possible . "Russia has already warned that regardless of being in the World Trade Organization ( WTO , its acronym in English ) will continue using their rules of trade. Brazil is one who has to show equivalence in this matter ," he emphasized .

The president of the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Pork ( Abipecs ) , Rui Vargas said on Wednesday ( 25/9 ) that the temporary restriction imposed by Russia to the refrigerator Pamplona ( Riosulense ) , Santa Catarina , can affect the numbers of exports , but it is early to estimate the decrease in shipments , because those who follow embarking protein can occupy the market . Today Brazil embarks per month about 12 tons of pork to the country . " We always expect a surprise from Russia ," he said .

Vargas also stated that the entity is already mobilizing to check what the requirements are not being met to apply for rehabilitation. The executive pointed out , however , that each new temporary restriction , " there is a certain difficulty in releasing new plants ." Today there are four refrigeration units in Rio Grande do Sul that are adapting to the demands of the Russian health service , two of Alibem a BRF and other cooperative COTRIJUI . Besides the pork unit , nine other units of cattle are also temporarily barred from selling to Russia .

Source : Globo Rural magazine .