Law on improved agricultural products signed

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on the production of agricultural products with improved characteristics. it also applies to the fishing industry.

Federal Law No. 159 of June 11, 2021 “On Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food with Improved Characteristics” has been officially published. The document was submitted to the State Duma by the government as part of the instructions of the President following the meeting of the State Council on December 26, 2019.

In the explanatory note to the bill, the developers noted that the phrase "agricultural products, raw materials and food with improved characteristics" was used as an analogue of the global eco-label to inform consumers. For example, in the usa there are four categories of "organic" with a corresponding gradation when labeling goods.

The new federal law defines improved products and establishes requirements for their production, storage, transportation and sale. This includes prohibitions on the use of cloning and genetic engineering methods, genetically modified and transgenic organisms, and ionizing radiation. The use of packaging that contaminates the product is also prohibited. Improved products must be manufactured separately from other production.

To be awarded the status of improved products, it will be necessary to undergo voluntary certification. It is planned to create a unified state register of producers of improved agricultural products and provide such producers with state support. For improved products, a special label will be developed.

The law will enter into force on March 1, 2022. The postponed period is due to the need to adopt a number of by-laws.

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Recall that in 2018, the federal law “On Organic Products…” was adopted, which regulates the production of environmentally friendly food products. It also involves special labeling of goods. However, the law on "organics" differs in that it involves production, where the conditions for the existence of an organism can be traced from the beginning to the end of its life.