In response to a retaliatory ban on food and agriculture imports, announced on Thursday by Russia's Prime Minister, EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Cioloş said the EU's farmers would be protected by the bloc's Common Agricultural Policy.

Russia announced the ban on food and agriculture, which is set to last for up to a year – and which could sit alongside other measures, such as banning certain aircraft from using Siberian airspace – in response to measures taken by the EU, Australia, the United States and Canada, who have been critical of Russia's actions in the Ukraine.

NATO has claimed Russia is increasing the number of troops along its border with Ukraine, and western government leaders have accused the power of backing pro-Russian separatists, who are fighting government forces in the country, which has been in turmoil since former president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted in a revolution in February.

However, Cioloş assured on Friday (8^th August) that EU farmers will not suffer the consequences of the diplomatic spat, thanks to mechanisms within the CAP.

The Commissioner said, "I understand the concern expressed in the EU farming sector. I want to underline that the Common Agricultural Policy has new and modernised tools to stand by them, as soon as it is needed, including our crisis reserve, which is already available now.

"I have spoken with Farm Ministers from across Europe, and in particular with Mr Maurizio Martina, Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and Council President. In the current context, the most important is to react in a proportionate and rapid way should the situation arise."

Cioloş has established a taskforce, which he said will analyse the potential impacts of the Russian ban on a sector by sector basis. The taskforce will also look into how the EU could provide "meaningful support" if it finds some farmers may be in need.

"I am confident that our resilient farm sector will reorient rapidly towards new markets and opportunities," he said. "But there must be support to help this transition happen smoothly. This requires a joined up, European response."

The outgoing food and farming Commissioner also said he will be meeting with "senior agricultural experts" from across the EU to discuss the situation on Thursday (14^th August).