The Russian export market is "virtually lost" for Germany, the president of the German Farmers' Association Joachim Rukvid said, calling on the German authorities to make "every effort" to re-establish friendly relations with Russia.
According to him, German farmers are suffering heavy losses due to the embargo.
"After the introduction of sanctions, exports to Russia fell by half, reaching almost 900 million euros," Rukvid said, adding that the Russian export market had been one of Germany’s largest only a couple of years ago.
"Losses of the German farmers are about 600 — 800 million euros," Rukvid said.
In addition to the decline in exports, farmers are also suffering from lower prices for agricultural products. For instance, the price of apples fell from 60 euros per 100 kilograms to 15 euros.
Rukvid stressed that the German authorities should take corresponding measures to reach "rapprochement with Russia."
"We must use all possible means," Rukvid said.