Turkey Eases Phytosanitary Requirements for Russian Wheat Imports
· Google Haberler
Following discussions between Turkish and Russian agricultural authorities, two pathogen species causing smut disease have been removed from the prohibited list for wheat imports.
Laboratory Inspection in St. Petersburg
A delegation from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry visited the St. Petersburg test laboratory of the Russian Federal Center for Animal and Plant Health (FGBI "VNIIKR") to enhance cooperation in the quality control of grain products. Turkish officials assessed the facility's technical infrastructure and phytosanitary analysis capabilities on-site. Ruslan Hasanov, Director of TsOK APK, stated that Turkey is one of the most critical partners and that inspections are continuing without slowing down.
Phytosanitary Requirements Eased for Wheat
Import conditions have been revised following discussions between Sergey Dankvert, Head of Rosselkhoznadzor, and Ersin Dilber, Director General of Food and Control. Under the regulations implemented by Turkey on August 4, five pathogen species causing smut disease were banned. With the latest decision, Tilletia caries and Tilletia laevis species have been removed from this list, and Russian wheat will be approved for entry into Turkey even if it carries these pathogens.
Critical Volume in Grain Trade
This easing of import rules is of great importance for the uninterrupted continuation of the massive agricultural trade flow between the two countries. According to shared official data, Turkey was the largest buyer of Russian grain with a volume of 10.2 million tons in the 2025/26 season. Wheat shipments constituted the main body of this total import, amounting to 7.4 million tons, playing a decisive role in domestic market supply.