World meat industry news

Two of Russia’s largest pig producing companies, Agro-Belogorie and Miratorg are hoping to be allowed to export pork to China soon.

Awaiting certification to export to China, both companies are being visited by specialists from the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine for inspection, the Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor reported.

Worries about ASF outbreaks

Allegedly, Chinese experts are worried about African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in Eastern Europe. The virus hit the Russian pig industry hard. Subsequently, the Chinese inspectors will check the biological security at the production sites of companies.

Miratorg hopes to begin deliveries to China by the end of the year. Apart from exporting to China, Miratorg also would like to reach the Japanese, South Korean markets, as well as those in the European Union (EU) and Brazil.

Two pig farms on Sakhalin Island

At the same time, Agro-Belogorye plans to launch two pig farms, with feed and meat processing capacities – for the production of 13,000 tonnes of pork per year, on Sakhalin Island, Russia's largest island, located north of Japan. This location also seems attractive to export pork to China.

Previously costs of the project were reported to be relatively high. However, the feasibility of launching supplies to China has become more probable, given the recent devaluation of the Russian rouble.