In Lithuania There is an increasing concern among vegetable farmers about the flood of Russian grown tomatoes and cucumbers. They are believed to be entering the Lithuanian market via Belarus as well as Poland using fake authenticity documents to conceal the true source. It was reported by the Lithuanian Greenhouse Association highlighted that this type of vegetable, including tomatoes and cucumbers are sold at cheaper prices than those the local produce or imports by Poland or Latvia and thereby affecting local growers.

Vytenis Tomkus, who is the vice-minister of agriculture in the country has addressed the issue by highlighting the challenges managing the movement of goods inside the European Union due to the lack of border controls. He suggested that limiting access to these products to the EU might be a feasible option. As a response to the situation, Lithuania, along with Latvia, Estonia, Poland along with Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Poland, Estonia and Czech Republic, has appealed to the European Commission to consider imposing limitations on imports of food products from Russia as well as Belarus. At present, the food items of these countries aren’t affected by sanctions.

Paulius Andriejavas, the board chair for Paulius Andriejavas, the chairman of board for Lithuanian Greenhouse Association, noted that the majority of Russian fruits and vegetables could arrive in Lithuania through Polish documents. This may result in local businesses being able to sell their Russian-grown products without knowing it. As per Vice Minister Tomkus, Lithuania did not directly import tomatoes and cucumbers from Russia in the past year, and the majority of imports being peas, mushrooms and other cereals.

Source: lrt.lt