The participants in the meeting discussed the results of monitoring of the import volumes and price indicators with regard to sensitive agricultural commodities and the development of proposals for their regulation in case of growing imports. Following Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, the Ministry of Agriculture, jointly with respective federal departments and associations of farm producers, have been monitoring the import of such goods, their volumes and prices. Arkady Dvorkovich issued instructions to continue this monitoring; if necessary, following the results of the 1st quarter of 2013, the Government will develop a range of measures to protect national producers, the Deputy Prime Minister said.
In addition, the issue of law-making with regard to agriculture and related industries was discussed at the meeting, regarding adapting agriculture to the requirements of WTO membership. The Ministry of Agriculture, jointly with respective federal bodies, State Duma deputies and associations of farm producers, is conducting work on implementing an Action Plan of the Government on adapting some sectors of the economy to WTO requirements. This year saw the introduction of tax privileges for the production and sales of agricultural products and for the operation of farmers. In addition, amendments to the law On Agricultural Development have been developed, and a new law On Veterinary Medicine has been developed and submitted to the Government. This work will continue in 2013, Dvorkovich said.
