Gohar Barseghyan, Minister in charge of Industry and Agriculture of the Eurasian Economic Commission, took part in the Veterinary Safety International Forum in Moscow dedicated to discussing key issues of food security including ensuring epizootic welfare, combating dangerous animal diseases, developing the veterinary medicines market, introducing innovative technologies across the Eurasian space.
The agricultural output grew by 25%, the food self-sufficiency level reached 92%, the mutual trade between the Union countries increased by 70%. If in 2014 the foreign trade deficit was 24 billion dollars, in 2021 the EAEU became a net exporter. Today the volume of agricultural exports exceeds 40 billion dollars."Food security is among the priority areas of the economic policy of the Eurasian Economic Union countries. In the context of global changes in markets, ensuring sustainable and predictable food supplies acquires strategic importance," Gohar Barseghyan noted, adding that since its creation the EAEU has achieved systemic positive results.
The Forum was also attended by employees of the EEC Department for Sanitary, Phytosanitary and Veterinary Measures.
Epizootic welfare is absence of infectious animal diseases in a certain territory, for instance, in a region. It is achieved by prevention, controlling movements of animals, vaccination and regular checks, which are important for preserving animal health and ensuring safety of agricultural produce.