The share of counterfeit pesticides in Russia reaches 15-25%

The share of counterfeit pesticides in Russia reaches 15-25%. This was reported to Izvestia by the Anti-Counterfeit association, which proposes to take measures in connection with the danger of the use of chemicals by Russian agricultural producers.

"The share of counterfeit pesticides in Russia reaches 15-25%, and in some cases up to 30%. 85% of fakes are imported from South and Southeast Asian countries. Counterfeit products often contain dangerous impurities (cadmium, arsenic, banned pesticides). Among the consequences, poisoned products — toxins accumulate in vegetables, fruits, grains and milk — pose risks to consumer health," Vladislav Reznik, president of the Anti—Counterfeit Association, told Izvestia.

According to him, in addition, this counterfeit negatively affects the soil.

"Dangerous chemicals not only make the land unsuitable for agriculture, but also damage the entire ecosystem, creating a delayed environmental disaster. Land is the wealth of our country and its people, therefore soil pollution with dangerous chemicals is a significant threat," Vladislav Reznik explained.

In this regard, the association is launching a "hotline", by calling which farmers from all over the country can verify the authenticity of purchased agricultural products for free and get advice from experts from copyright holders, producers and other partners.

"A hotline with a single federal number and a 24/7 operating mode will allow all managers and owners of agricultural enterprises in the Russian Federation to get the opportunity to communicate directly with officially registered manufacturers and sellers of plant protection products," the association said.

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On November 12, 2024, the Rosselkhoznadzor named the regions that are leading in the use of pesticides and chemicals. According to the results of the third quarter, the largest volume of pesticide use was recorded in the Altai Territory (3.5 thousand tons), the Amur Region (2.4 thousand tons), the Krasnodar Territory and the Omsk Region (2.3 thousand tons each). Tornado, octopus extra, sukhovey and total were named the most commonly used pesticides in the department.