Moroccan experts assessing Russian grain safety system
MOSCOW. June 26 (Interfax) - Experts from Morocco's National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) are studying Russia's system for ensuring quarantine phytosanitary control and control of quality and safety of grain, as well as control over pesticide residue levels, Russian plant and animal health watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor's Grain Quality Assessment Center reported.
During a visit to the seaport in Vysotsk, Leningrad Region, the Moroccan experts looked at the process of loading grain for export and control over its quality, safety and quarantine phytosanitary condition at the center's St. Petersburg lab, which operates at the port.
"The representatives of the Moroccan delegation noted the quality and high level of work of the center's specialists on compliance with quarantine requirements for exported grain products," the press release said.
The center said 94,000 tonnes of grain have been shipped to Morocco through the Vysotsk grain terminal under the control of its branch since the beginning of 2024.
The chief analyst at the Russian Grain Union, Yelena Tyurina told Interfax that Morocco has ramped up purchases of grain in Russia in the current agricultural year (July 2023-June 2024) and become one of the biggest buyers in Africa.
Grain exports to the country soared to 765,000 tonnes in the period from July 1, 2023 to June 1, 2024 from 9,000 tonnes a year earlier, she said. Wheat accounted for 84.3% this figure, as exports surged to 645,000 tonnes from 8,000 tonnes. Barley and corn exports totalled 94,500 tonnes and 22,000 tonnes in the period, while a year earlier they were non-existent.
The largest share of the grain exports in the 11 months, 205,000 tonnes, were shipped through Vysotsk, while 202,000 tonnes were loaded in roadsteads and 120,000 tonnes were shipped through the Rostov port. The main Moroccan ports that received Russian grain were Casablanca, Nador and Agadir, with Casablanca handling 480,000 tonnes.
The number of exporting companies grew to 15 in the period from four a year earlier.
