Belarus to export cheese to Khabarovsk Krai

KHABAROVSK, 14 August (BelTA-ITAR-TASS) – The authorities of Khabarovsk Krai have already discussed import substitution efforts with food companies in the wake of Russia’s ban on food imports from the West.

About 30 types of hard cheeses will be supplied by Vitebsk and Russia’s Vologda; two types of soft cheeses will be produced by Pereyaslavl Dairy Factory, the leading dairy producer in the Far East, Deputy Premier-Agriculture and Food Minister of Khabarovsk Krai Alexander Yats said.

“We are in talks now with food companies and major retail chains; we are closely monitoring the situation regarding the delivery of raw materials and products that are sold by retailers,” he noted.

According to Alexander Yats, Pereyaslavl Dairy Factory signed contracts to purchase hard cheeses from the factories in Vitebsk and Vologda.

The local authorities bring together local retailers and Belarus’ agricultural producers and processing companies. “A delegation of Khabarovsk Krai has recently travelled there for a reason. This is a great opportunity to make up for banned foods without wasting time,” Alexander Yats said. He pointed to the absence of customs barriers or other restrictions in the delivery of equipment and products from Belarus.

According to the minister, Belarusian partners were told about a project to build an animal breeding complex equipped with robotic milking systems and own fodder resources. This complex is meant for 1,350 head. This project might be implemented jointly by Rosselkhozbank, Rosagroleasing and Belarus’ Promagroleasing, he noted.