The Russian issue

The news that Russia has again bulldozed cheeses due to the presence of imported rennet is sad for anyone who makes their living making, or even writing about, cheese. The work and care that has gone into those cheeses is gone, crushed under a bulldozer to prove a point about an import ban. It is saddening.

The lapse in free trade to Russia has had an effect on both sides. For Russians, the inability to enjoy their favourite imported dairy products means they have to turn to domestic products. Which, due to the timescale, may not be ready yet. Parmigiano Reggiano takes two years to make, and there is very often not much that can be an adequate substitute for it, no matter how hard the Russian producers might try.

For the rest of the European market, the Russian embargo means an additional lack of an outlet for the excess milk production caused by the end of quotas. In a way, it’s a perfect storm.

Which is kind of why free trade agreements are important. It may be desirable for everyone, but I suspect a freer market is better in the long run for any country. The closed loop winds up being a stagnant pond, when it comes to it, and the lack of interaction and trade between Russia and the EU will only make both sides suffer needlessly. And we have to get used to the sight of cheese being bulldozed.