Russia getting law on green agricultural products

Vladimir Putin signed Federal Law No. 159-FZ dated 11.06.2021 "On agricultural products, raw materials and food with improved characteristics", the legislation also applying to the fish industry, reports Megafishnet.com.

In the explanatory note to the bill, the developers noted that the phrase "agricultural products, raw materials and food with improved characteristics" is used as an analogue of the world’s eco-labeling to duly inform consumers. For example, in the United States, there are four categories of "organic" products with the corresponding gradation in the labeling.

The new federal law defines improved products and sets requirements for their manufacture, storage, transportation and sale. In particular, bans are being introduced on the use of cloning and methods of genetic engineering, genetically modified and transgenic organisms, as well as ionizing radiation.

It is also forbidden to use packaging that pollutes the goods. The improved products should be manufactured separately from other production.

To be awarded the status of improved products, the business will need to pass a voluntary certification. It is planned to create a unified state register of producers of improved agricultural products and provide such producers with state support. Special labeling will be developed for the improved goods.

The law will come into force on March 1, 2022.