EU fruit growers look to US market to offset Russian sanctions

European fruit growers could be able to export apples and pears to the United States later this year, the EU executive said on Saturday, following the publication of new US rules.

European Union producers, hit by Russian sanctions against them are keen for new markets.

A joint statement by the EU health, trade and agricultural commissioners welcomed the publication by the US Department of Agriculture of draft measures to be taken by EU growers and other authorities that it said were "a necessary step".

"Opening the market for the 2016 harvest, i.e. by September 2016, could be feasible, if all parties continue their efforts," the statement said.