The current psychosis in the EU blocks exports of Bulgarian vegetables

The exports of Bulgarian vegetables is blocked because of fears after the German outbreak of the infection of a new strain of the E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, reported for Klassa, Alexander Yotsov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Association of Food and Drink Industry (BAFDI) and Chairman of the Trade Policy Committee with the BIA (Bulgarian Industrial Chamber). Even small quantities of the cucumbers, which Bulgaria exports within the range of 5,000-6,000 tonnes a year, have been blocked since EU citizens consume less. Returning to the normal EU levels of consumption would take years.

Producers are facing a further disadvantage by the prohibition issued by Russia and other countries on imports of EU vegetables. Thus, the competitive pressures exerted on Bulgarian production inside the EU would become increasingly stronger. The considerable smuggled imports is also problematic, commented Yotsov. Actually, once or two times daily vans loaded with 3 - 5 tonnes of smuggled goods enter our country. Bulgaria could have avoided the imports of cucumbers, but actually the recent price undercutting cannot, but affect Bulgarian producers and traders, explained also Yotsov.

A week ago, the last truck loaded with vegetable output departed to EU and now all vegetables remain for the Bulgarian market, said also Plamen Dimitrov, CEO of the Bulgarian Greenhouse Association, quoted by investor.bg. The wholesale prices of cucumbers have already plunged by half. All vegetable producers have tonnes of unrealized output, explained he.

Today, an extraordinary meeting of EU agricultural ministers would be held dedicated to finding an urgent solution of the German food crisis caused by bacteria E.coli, announced officially the EC (European Commission). It will present specific compensation measures.

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