Sanctions fail: German farmers hit hard by Russian food embargo

Sputnik
Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:23 UTC

© REUTERS/ Fabrizio Bensch

German farmers have been hit hard by the Russian food embargo. Their approximate losses range from 600 to 800 million euros, Der Tagesspiegel wrote.

The Russian export market is "virtually lost" for Germany, the president of the German Farmers' Association Joachim Rukvid said, calling on the German authorities to make "every effort" to re-establish friendly relations with Russia.

According to him, German farmers are suffering heavy losses due to the embargo.

"After the introduction of sanctions, exports to Russia fell by half, reaching almost 900 million euros," Rukvid said, adding that the Russian export market had been one of Germany's largest only a couple of years ago.

Russia imposed restrictions on exports of agricultural products from the EU in response to Western sanctions. As result, the export of milk to Russia in August 2014 decreased from 125 million to eight million euros, the export of meat products fell from 175 million to five million euros and the export of fruits and vegetables dropped from 7 million to 50 thousand euros.

"Losses of the German farmers are about 600 — 800 million euros," Rukvid said.

In addition to the decline in exports, farmers are also suffering from lower prices for agricultural products. For instance, the price of apples fell from 60 euros per 100 kilograms to 15 euros.

Rukvid stressed that the German authorities should take corresponding measures to reach "rapprochement with Russia."

"We must use all possible means," Rukvid said.

Comment: Europe, in following the dictates of its master the U.S., is cutting off its nose to spite its face. If they had any independence and sovereignty, they would immediately end the foolish sanctions imposed on Russia and begin the process of healing both their economy and relationship with Russia.