EU backs Russia's import stance

Farmers across Europe who strive to maintain good soil quality have been handed a boost after Russia opted to lift temporary trade restrictions.

The country had introduced a blanket ban on fresh food imports in early June, following the recent outbreak of E Coli throughout parts of the continent.

However, the European Commission labelled this a "disproportionate" measure and representatives held meetings in Moscow in an attempt to get a reversal of the decision.

This has now been achieved and agricultural workers can start exporting goods to this market once again.

"I welcome the decision by the Russian competent authorities to cancel the temporary import requirements for fresh EU vegetables," commented health and consumer policy commissioner John Dalli.

The outbreak of E Coli - which killed 46 people - was eventually traced back to a batch of bean sprouts in Hamburg.

Earlier this week, the EU pledged to up its spending on deadly viruses by a further €12 million (£10.4 million).

Posted by Joseph Hutton