Freshel Europe is pleased Russia has agreed to re-open its borders to fresh imports from the European Union (EU).
Russia and the EU have agreed a temporary system of food-safety certification that will remain in place until the tenth day after no new human case of E coli 104.
Freshfel estimates the ban has cost fruit and vegetable exporters in the EU more than €25m since it was introduced on 2 June.
Philippe Binard, general delegate of Freshfel, said: 'We hope this agreement will give a further signal to other third countries to withdraw their restrictive trade measures, so that trade relationships can come back to their usual patterns.'
Freshfel is now keen that public authorities make special efforts to help the sector restore consumer confidence.
According to association president Ramon Rey, they 'have an important role to play and should provide much-needed funding to embark on a major communication campaign as soon as possible.'
