A consignment of 4,000 kilos of tomatoes have been delivered to Arnhem’s food banks under new rules to stop food waste because of the Russian boycott of Dutch produce.

The economic affairs ministry has brought in temporary rules to allow growers to remove fruit and vegetables destined for Russia from the market.

Brussels has set aside €125m to compensate growers for the loss of trade and the compensation is higher if the produce is sent to food banks, news agency ANP said.

The compensation deal applies to tomatoes, carrots, white cabbage, bell peppers, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, apples, pears and various soft fruits.

The Dutch food bank association estimates it can distribute 300,000 kilos of fruit and veg a week to low income families.

So far 45 growers have come forward to claim compensation, the Financieele Dagblad said.