Russia is considering a ban on French fries from the United States (US) and other Western countries that impose sanctions on products from Russia. In this way, the country wants to switch to its own French fries production. The ban is also a response to sanctions from Western countries, especially the US.
Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament), introduced the proposal as a response to the "clumsy behavior of the US and its allies". Korolev, the chairman of Russia's National Agricultural Organization, said: "The introduction of the restrictions will not only support domestic potato growers, but will also help preserve jobs at new processing plants. It will also increase the safety and quality of the product."
Big consequences
The consequences of the import ban can be significant. In 2017, Russia imported almost 95% of all fries eaten in the country. In the past 12 months (to February), more than 120.000 tonnes were imported, an increase of 20% compared to the same period the year before. Until now, the country was mainly seen as a growing market. Also by the Netherlands, because the Dutch market is the main supplier of fries and other frozen potato products to Russia. In the past 12 months, 50.000 tons went from the Netherlands to Russia.
A complete ban on Western fries could also leave Russian residents without fries. The country has been focusing on expanding its French fries processing capacity for some time now. For example, the chairman of the national agricultural organization said that the necessary installations for locally produced fries have been purchased. The ban therefore fits in with Russian policy 'your own fries first'.
Seed potatoes are the bottleneck
It was still the end of April big news that the Russian chip factory of Belaya Dacha Group and joint venture Lamb Weston Meijer was officially opened. When the company is running at full speed, 200.000 tons of potatoes can be processed annually.
Although Russia is self-sufficient (in terms of potato cultivation), seed potatoes remain a bottleneck for the Russian (french fries) potato sector. For this it still has to turn to the Netherlands. Even Russian McDonalds is switching to local fries. For example, McDonalds wants to serve only Russian fries to customers by the end of 2018. Currently, 85% of their products come from Russian soil. A decision that was partly taken due to the large exchange rate fluctuations in the ruble. Previously, the Russian potato did not meet the quality requirements.
Collaboration at stake
A previously approved bill shows that Russia wants to put an end to almost any form of cooperation with the US. However, the Russian House of Commons has been pushed back by the Kremlin, because it threatens problems for the citizens. This is because they are dependent on certain American medicines.
However, it is not inconceivable that other agricultural products could also become part of this ban. After an initial bill with very strong language, the Russian tone has become more moderate.