EU to aid exporters harmed by Russian ban on EU agricultural imports

The European Commission Monday announced support measures for certain perishable fruits and vegetables in Europe following the Russian ban on imports of EU agricultural products.
These measures will apply until the end of November with a budget foreseen of 125 million euro, the EU's executive body announced in a statement.
The ongoing market situation for all products will be discussed in another meeting with EU Member State experts and experts from the European Parliament scheduled to take place in Brussels on Friday, it noted.
Commenting on the decision, Dacian Ciolos, EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, stated: "Taking into account the market situation following the Russian restrictions on imports of EU agricultural products, with effect from today, I am triggering emergency measures which will reduce overall supply of a number of fruit and vegetable products on the European market as and when price pressures become too great in the coming months." "All farmers of the concerned products - whether in producer organisations or not - will be eligible to take up these market support measures where they see fit," he added.
The Russian ban came last month in retaliation for EU sanctions on Russia due to the crisis in Ukraine.