The Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev discussed with the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solsky the effect of the licensing regime introduced by the Ukrainian side for the export of sunflower seeds, rapeseed, corn and wheat during an online meeting.
At the meeting, Minister Vatev presented data on the import of rapeseed, corn and sunflower in Bulgaria for the period December - the beginning of January. Minister Vatev highlighted concerns over attempts to bypass licensing requirements through specific imports, vowing that corrective action is necessary.
There have been reports of irregularities in the licensing regime, specifically regarding imports of black oilseed sunflower, rapeseed, and maize seed. Minister Solsky assured that Ukraine would take decisive steps within two weeks, indicating that companies violating regulations would face export bans.
Minister Vatev underscored a recent surge in sunflower imports via the Danube river, signaling potential challenges for Bulgarian processors if this pace persisted. He cautioned that this influx could soon meet the limit required for Bulgarian processing needs, necessitating a halt in imports to safeguard local growers' interests.
The two ministers agreed to continue the exchange of data on trade in sensitive agricultural products on a follow-up meeting.