Denmark: From January 18, 2005 onwards export of Danish malt and barley to Russia was brought to a halt, due to an overall ban posed by Russian Federation authorities on Danish agricultural production of plant origin. The head of Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control, Sergei Dankvert, said Russia is suspending from January 18 imports of plants and plant products from Denmark. Denmark is one of the largest malt importers of Russia. In 2003 Denmark shipped to Russia 40,528 tonnes of malt. According to analysts, Danish malting barley market might get weaker should this embargo remain for longer period.

Denmark is the third country to face a plant ban from Russia, after Germany and Netherlands. The official pointed out, "A ban is currently in effect for the same reason on the import of plants from Germany and the Netherlands". Russia banned the import of Dutch flowers and potted plants on June 28 after California thrips were found in some samples. That ban, which was widened in December to include all plants, was estimated to cost Dutch exporters about £350 million annually. Russia closed its borders to plant products from Germany for the same reason in November.

A Rosselklhoznadzor (Federal service for veterinary and phytosanitary supervision) official has told Itar-Tass that the decision has been prompted primarily "By numerous breaches of Russia's phytosanitary requirements in the supply of plants by the Danish side". A dangerous pest -- Western Californian flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) -- was discovered in flowers imported into Russia from that country. This was evidenced by the findings of a recent inspection, the official said. "We also have grounds to question the authenticity of certificates for this kind of products", the official said, He recalled that way back in December last year, "The Rosselkhoznadzor had warned Denmark about a likely ban on the import of plants if thrips is found in them again".

In 2003, Denmark exported more than 150,000 tonnes of plants and plant products to Russia.

Also on January 18, Russia and the European Union are beginning talks on a proposal to replace certificates used in imports from individual EU countries with a single phytosanitary certificate for imports from the EU. Russia proposes introducing a single certificate on April 1, 2005.

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