Russia to import Gaza strawberries for first time
As Russia prepares to import strawberries from the Gaza Strip for the first time, farmers in Gaza are considering a commercial partnership to export other agricultural products in the future.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The strawberry harvest season in the Gaza Strip is underway. Farmers call the fruit “red gold” given the high revenues they make from exporting it to foreign markets between December and April every year.
Russia is preparing to import the first cargo of strawberries from Gaza for the first time, according to Ahmed al-Shafey, the CEO of the Gaza Agricultural Cooperative for Producing & Marketing, which specializes in planting and exporting agricultural products.
Shafey told Al-Monitor, “Russian companies have set their local marketing plans for the importation of strawberries from Gaza. The total exports is estimated to reach 15 tons worth $76,500 by April 2018.”
He said Russia will import strawberries from Gaza for the first time, since its price offered exceeded that of Israeli companies. In addition, Gaza seeks to export other fruits and vegetables to Russia.
