Russia to end Dutch potato ban

Russia will start importing Dutch seed potatoes again, once a quality inspection has deemed them suitable. This could mean a 10 million euro export opportunity for companies. Last year, Russia closed the border for all seed- and consumption potatoes coming from Europe. The control services, which wants to stem the spreading of harmful organisms for plants and vegetable matter, demanded more clarity from Europe of origin and traceability. Russia banned Dutch products due to inadequate quality control before. Not just potatoes, but flowers and dairy products weren't up to code.

A letter from state secretary for Economic Affairs, Sharon Dijksma, has confirmed that the border has reopened, however, pending the inspection. Dijksma travelled to Russia in October of last year to discuss the boycott on the Dutch potato. The Russian control services will also look at the conditions for opening the market for consumption potatoes and vegetable matter.