Aug. 28 – The European Commission runs for cover and approves extraordinary measures to protect two products symbol of Italian taste. The decision was a consequence of the restrictions on dairy product imports adopted by Russia in response to the international sanctions imposed because of the crisis in Ukraine. Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, whose export to Russia amounted to approximately €15 million in 2013, will have access to the same EC measures adopted for Fiore Sardo and Pecorino. The Commission has approved aid measures for the private storage of butter, skimmed milk powder and some types of PDO/PGI cheese, and has enabled exceptional measures (through a delegated act) to cover other types cheese exported to Russia. The Commission did not specify the amount of support but according to rumors, reports the Coldiretti, the measures should fluctuate between €10 and €20 million. These new measures are in addition to the €125 million already allocated by the Commission for the entire European Union in support of its fruits and vegetables markets (tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, peppers, cauliflower, cucumbers and gherkins, mushrooms, apples, pears, berries , grapes and kiwi), for which the value of Italian exports to Russia amounted to €72 million in 2013.