Russian agriculture watchdog invites specialists from Philippines to inspect 26 more meat exporters from Russia

MOSCOW. April 17 (Interfax) - Some 26 more Russian companies could begin exporting meat and by-products to the Philippines providing they are certified by specialists from the Philippines; however, individual companies may no longer require inspection in future if the Philippine authorities certify Russia's veterinary control system.

"In 2026, Rosselkhoznadzor [Russia's agriculture watchdog] has sent an invitation to conduct a new inspection with the aim of certifying additional companies and expanding the categories of activity for those who have already passed inspections. Provisionally, 26 producers of meat and by-products have been put forward for inspection," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement following talks between Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert and a Philippine delegation, which comprised representatives from the agricultural ministry, the national meat inspection service and the meat processing association.

Some 18 Russian companies with full-cycle meat production - including slaughter - have the right to supply meat and by-products to the country, including seven producers of pork and pork by-products, nine producers of poultry and poultry by-products and two producers of beef and beef by-products. They were certified following inspections by Philippine specialists in September 2024.

The main objective of the current visit is for the specialists to become familiar with Russia's existing veterinary control system and assess Russia's meat processing companies as well as discuss prospects for expanding exports of animal produce. They have also visited the Rosselkhoznadzor's Federal Center for Animal Health Protection in Vladimir and pork production companies in Voronezh and Kursk.

The Rosselkhoznadzor press service told Interfax that the idea was to certify Russia's existing veterinary control system in order to allow exports without individual inspections in future. There are also plans to inspect three individual exporters during the current visit.

According to data from the VetIS state information system, Russia has exported 6,100 tonnes of pork, pork by-products, pig fat and poultry fat since the beginning of the year to April 3.

The National Meat Association, cited by Rosselkhoznadzor, estimates that Russia is capable of occupying at least 10% of the imported pork market in the Philippines over the next two-three years.