World meat industry news

There is no progress in the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Russia and the UN on the normalization of Russian agricultural exports, said Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Yerkhov.

"To date, 17 million tons of Ukrainian grain have been exported. However, we are still seeing distortions in the geographical distribution of recipients of Ukrainian food products. The situation with our products also does not inspire optimism. There is no progress in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between Russia and the UN on the normalization of Russian agricultural exports observed," the Yeni Şafak newspaper quoted the diplomat as saying.

According to the ambassador, "Russian manufacturers and suppliers continue to face blocked bank payments, exorbitant insurance rates and blocked access to ports."

Earlier, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that he had agreed with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the possibility of sending Russian grain and fertilizers to starving African countries free of charge. Putin pointed out in early September that the West exports most of the Ukrainian grain to itself, and not to the needy countries of the Black Continent. He stated that Moscow was ready to supply the poorest countries free of charge with the entire volume of grain that was intended for them under the grain deal.

The grain deal, which was signed on July 22 by representatives of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN, involves the export of Ukrainian grain, food and fertilizer across the Black Sea from three ports, including Odessa. The Joint Coordinating Center (JCC) in Istanbul is responsible for coordinating the movement of ships.

The contract expired on November 18, but meant an automatic extension for 120 days with the consent of all parties. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that "no such objections were received," at the same time noting that Moscow allows a technical extension of the "Black Sea initiative" for the export of grain without any changes in terms and scope.

The deal itself is an integral part of the package agreement, which, among other things, provides for the unblocking of Russian exports of food and fertilizers. Moreover, Moscow has repeatedly noted that this condition is not being met. In turn, UN representatives assured that the restrictions would be lifted.