site.btaAgriculture Minister Says Ukrainian Wheat Imports Are not Hazardous

The Ukrainian wheat entering Bulgaria is not hazardous, Agriculture Minister Yavor Gechev said on Nova TV Saturday. The phytosanitary control has been doubled up and most of the samples meet the European requirements but there are some deviations, he added.

The Minister’s comment comes several days after Bulgarian grain producers protested across the country over what they see as uncontrolled import of Ukrainian grain. One of their arguments was that it is of inferior quality, is mixed with locally grown grain and sold as Bulgarian.

The Minister admitted, though, that an oversupply crisis has been created and this is affecting prices.

“The grain we produce in Bulgaria fully meets all standards and is better,” Gechev said.