Romania unveils details of new licensing procedure for Ukrainian grain import

MOSCOW. Sept 22 (Interfax) - Romanian Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu and Ukraine's Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky have agreed a new strict mechanism that allows Ukraine to resume the export of four groups of crops to Romania, Ukrainian media said, citing Romanian media outlet Europa Libera Romania.

The new mechanism will require Ukrainian and Romanian farmers to receive certain licenses.

"Export licenses for Ukrainian companies will become operational in 30 days. During this time, Romania will also create a clear import licensing procedure for Romanian farmers and processors," the media outlet quoted the Romanian agriculture minister as saying.

Another rule that has been agreed allows only farmers and processors, not intermediaries, to import these crops, the media outlet's sources said.

"A farmer who wants to import, for example, 1,000 tonnes of sunflower seeds from Ukraine will have to prove that he does not have the same amount of the crop and that his animals cannot survive without it," a source close to the ministers' talks told Europa Libera Romania.

The Romanian authorities will also check the stocks of farmers who have requested grain imports from Ukraine.

Another condition is the need to receive a quality certificate. To this end, a farmer will have to submit a sample of imported goods to the National Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), where he will receive a certificate proving that his goods are of high quality and do not contain banned pesticides.

This export-import licensing system is due to take effect within 30 days.

Barbu also clarified that Kiev has to agree its export licensing initiative with each of the five European countries that banned the import of Ukrainian wheat, maize, sunflower and rapeseed in May.

As reported, Ukraine's Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry has held negotiations with the Agriculture Ministries of Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria, which are now reviewing the Kiev-proposed plan of action and are preparing their comments. Another round of Ukraine's talks with these neighboring countries is due to take place next week.