Russian ban prompts SW warning

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray has warned the Federal Government it must be mindful of the impact the Russian trade ban could have on the WA agricultural economy.

Last week Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Western sanctions by decreeing a ban on food imports from Australia, the European Union, the United States, Canada and Norway.

Mr Murray said other countries could undercut existing Australian export markets as a result of the ban.

“We must be mindful of the impact the embargo can have on WA trade with Eastern Europe and Chinese companies, ” he said.

“The Federal Government should be wary of following blindly without due consideration of the impact on us, mainly through agriculture.

“We have to be aware and not undo the good work which has been done in recent months.”

The ban will prevent the import of Australian beef, pork, fruit and vegetable produce, poultry, fish, cheese, milk and dairy to Russia.

The European country imports about 35 per cent of its food.

WAFarmers Dairy Section president Phil Depiazzi said Russia was a significant importer of dairy products from Australia.

“It has the potential to hurt the Australian export market and that could flow on to us,” he said.

“There is a concern with what might happen with who other suppliers might sell to.

“We hope the Australian Government will work with the Russian Government to sort it out as soon as possible.”

According to the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, the Russian market is worth more than $700 million to Australian farmers, with more than $55 million tied up in beef exports.

Former PGA president Rob Gillam said the Government must ensure access into an alternative market until the ban was lifted.

“This full embargo is clearly a political move, and it is unfortunate that the biggest losers in this will not only be Russian consumers who will now pay more for their food, but also West Australian farmers and pastoralists, ” he said.

“This wide ranging embargo on Australian grain, meat and livestock is a result of the limited sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, and the Australian Government needs to ensure that our access to other alternative markets is not compromised.”

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