Russia Restricts Imports of Armenian Vegetables and Strawberries

Russia's agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor will temporarily restrict imports of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, and strawberries from Armenia starting May 30. The restrictions will remain in force "until an appropriate mechanism ensuring the safety of shipped products is developed,” the agency said in a statement. Rosselkhoznadzor explained that the measures were introduced because of increasing violations linked to shipments of Armenian fruit and vegetable products and in order to protect phytosanitary safety, which officials said is currently under threat.