MINSK, 21 October (BelTA) - Belarus plans to increase its presence in the EU food markets, Belarus' Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Igor Brylo said when speaking at the third Belarusian forum of livestock producers, BelTA has learned.
Russia remains the main consumer of Belarusian products. Still, diversifying Belarusian export is among priorities, Igor Brylo emphasized. One of the goals facing the meat and milk industry is gradual approximation of the national quality standards with the EU requirements. “Belarus has created a framework for regulating the quality and safety of raw materials and finished products,” he noted.
Thanks to the modernization of the livestock industry, the quality of milk has improved significantly, he said. In September this year the share of extra grade milk reached 44.2% of total sales. For comparison: in 2009 this index was at the level of 2%.
“Processing companies are working to obtain certificates to supply products to foreign markets. Five dairies got the right to export their products to the European Union. Many Belarusian enterprises have been certified with the Halal and Kosher requirements in order to advance to the new markets in the Middle East. 34 Belarusian milk processing organizations have qualified for the right to supply dairy products to China. Work is in progress to certify meat-packing plants, Igor Brylo said.
