The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) will not publicly disclose whether grain shipments transported from Russia through Latvia contain crops stolen from Ukraine, Latvian Television reported on Oct. 28. Analysis results have not yet been received, but the broadcaster learned that the public will not be informed even if a violation is detected.
Laboratory Samples Taken More Than a Month Ago
Samples for laboratory testing were collected more than a month prior to the report to check whether Russian shipments contain grain misappropriated in occupied Ukrainian territories. The Latvian government authorized grain origin checks on Sept. 8. The Ministry of Agriculture justified the step using information provided by Ukraine regarding volumes of illegally acquired grain in occupied regions and the risk that it could reach Latvian ports with Russian-origin documents.
The ministry stated at the time that document checks alone are insufficient. Laboratory tests compare grain sample properties with reference data to determine whether the declared origin matches the actual one. The person responsible for the shipment must pay for the control.
Shipments Continue Moving While Awaiting Lab Results
Inspections do not mean shipments are detained until laboratory answers arrive. PVD Director General Māris Balodis explained to Latvian Radio in September that after receiving advance payment, a cargo may continue its journey. The service estimated the cost of inspecting a single shipment at approximately 900 to 1,000 euros.
The potential geographical origin of grain is determined using isotope and trace element analyses. Balodis explained that laboratories in France and the United Kingdom are involved in the testing, and the process takes about a month. Consequently, by the time the service receives an answer regarding the presence of Ukrainian-origin grain, the cargo in question may have already been moved further. The PVD head previously noted that the information gathered on grain origin and the carrier could serve for future decisions at the European Union level.
International Control Agreements Signed in October
Meanwhile, Latvia is expanding cooperation in determining grain origin. Uldis Augulis signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding on Oct. 21 between Latvia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom concerning the grain origin verification system. The agreement provides for the exchange of information and experience, the improvement of sampling and laboratory methods, and the expansion of the reference database. Special attention is directed toward isotope and chemical analyses that help assess product origin. The ministry emphasized the necessity of preventing Latvian ports and transport infrastructure from being used to transport products illegally acquired in Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grain Inspections
How much does a single laboratory grain inspection cost in Latvia?
The PVD estimated the cost of checking a single shipment at approximately 900 to 1,000 euros, with the expense covered by the person responsible for the cargo.
Which international laboratories perform the isotope and trace element analyses?
Testing involves laboratories located in France and the United Kingdom, and the analytical process takes about a month to complete.
When did Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis sign the trilateral memorandum on grain verification?
Minister Augulis signed the memorandum of understanding between Latvia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom on Oct. 21.
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